Lebanese justice minister warns of 'dramatic' situation in the country as Israeli floats extended buffer zone on its southern border. Nassar calls for diplomacy to avert a catastrophe as he lashes at Hezbolahh for sabotaging diplomatic efforts by not laying down weapons.
Lebanon’s Justice Minister Adel Nassar has called on the international community to condemn Israel’s “occupation of Lebanese territory,” in an interview with Euronews.
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Speaking to Europe Today on Tuesday, Nassar’s comments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order on Sunday to expand a military operation along Israel’s northern border. Lebanese authorities warn the move could see additional land seized, describing it as an “invasion and occupation” of their territory.
Fighting has intensified in southern Lebanon since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in response to attacks on Tehran.
Netanyahu has said the status of Israel’s northern border with Lebanon must “fundamentally” change, with several Israeli ministers suggesting a buffer zone could be extended to the Litani River, effectively annexing Lebanese territory.
Nassar acknowledged Lebanon faces both internal and external risks, referring to Hezbollah, and described the situation as “dramatic.”
He said: “Our position is very difficult because on one hand there are the Israeli attacks, and on the other hand there is Hezbollah undermining the state. On both sides, we have to deploy all efforts and take irrevocable decisions to save Lebanon.”
Earlier this month, Lebanon banned Hezbollah’s military operations as tensions escalated. Nassar said his government has been clear that it rejects the use of Lebanese territory as a launchpad for Iran or its proxies against Israel.
He added: “Hezbollah is keeping military infrastructure, which is against the will of the Lebanese government and against the law. We refuse that Lebanon is being used like a military base for Iran.”
Nassar also urged Israel to respond to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s call for negotiations, warning that further incursions could have a “dramatic impact on the civilian population” already at risk of displacement and malnutrition.
“We are facing the displacement of more than one million people,” he said, highlighting Lebanon’s fragile economy and limited resources to deal with a migrant crisis.
“What Israel is imposing on Lebanon is dramatic, and we have to deploy all efforts to stop these attacks,” he added. “We are also facing a political party whose military infrastructure undermines our state’s capacity to respond diplomatically. We must make irrevocable decisions in order to save Lebanon.”
Watch the full interview on Europe Today from 8am CET weekdays on Euronews and across all platforms. Catch the replay on YouTube.