Germany Raises Alarm Over Potential Escalation, Commits Assistance to Strengthen Lebanese Military

In response to the escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border during the ongoing Gaza conflict, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has committed 15 million euros (approximately $16 million) to support the Lebanese armed forces. During her visit to Beirut, Baerbock emphasized that this financial aid is intended to enhance the Lebanese army’s ability to maintain effective control over the southern border region with Israel. This initiative aims to curb the activities of armed groups and terrorist organizations in the area.

The region has experienced an uptick in hostilities, with Hezbollah and Israel engaging in frequent exchanges of fire since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. This situation has raised concerns about a potential expansion of the conflict into a larger regional war.

Baerbock’s discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati highlighted the potential disaster that an escalation of this conflict could bring to both nations. She stressed the importance of Hezbollah withdrawing from the border area with Israel, in accordance with United Nations Resolution 1701. This resolution, which was established to end the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, mandates the removal of all armed forces south of Lebanon’s Litani River, with the exception of UN peacekeepers and Lebanese state forces.

The German Foreign Minister warned against using the war in Gaza as a pretext to open another front, which could potentially spark a broader regional conflict. Baerbock made these remarks while visiting the German frigate “Baden-Wuerttemberg” docked at the port of Beirut. The vessel is part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force, which plays a crucial role in overseeing the situation along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

The financial aid from Germany will primarily be allocated for fuel procurement and will also include mid-term initiatives such as providing border surveillance training to the Lebanese military, as outlined by Baerbock.