Lebanon is not interested in a full-scale war, but the dangerous personal ambitions of some circles in Israel may provoke a major conflict in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference at the United Nations following his participation in Security Council meetings as chairman.
"Neither Hezbollah nor the Lebanese government, nor Iran want a full-scale war," Lavrov said. "There is a suspicion that some circles in Israel are trying to do exactly that — to provoke a large-scale war in the hope of dragging the United States into it. These are dangerous plans that put personal ambitions above the interests of their people and the peoples of the region," he commented on the potential escalation of conflict on the Lebanese-Israeli border.
"There are many factors in the region that some politicians clearly want to use to foment a major war, including the opportunity to blame Iran and use the latest weaponry against it. This is a short-sighted, futile policy, and we actively oppose it. This cannot be allowed, and I very much hope that we will succeed," Lavrov added.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia has allies on this issue, citing "Arab countries, the Muslim world, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation" as examples.
In mid-June, the Israeli army approved an operational plan for an offensive in Lebanon. Following the operation against the radical Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities expect to strike Hezbollah forces, which also operate against the Jewish state, periodically shelling its territory. Since October 2023, the intensity of Israeli army strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon has increased.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials