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Israel’s Smotrich calls for war and re-occupation of southern Lebanon
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israel to “reoccupy southern Lebanon” and for “a war that will destroy Hezbollah”.
The ultra-nationalist minister and leader of the National Religious Party-Religious Zionism, said that “the people of Israel are ready for this”. “There is no way to restore security to the residents of the north without a war that will destroy Hezbollah,” he said in a post on social media. As well as reoccupying southern Lebanon, Israel must create “a security strip” within Lebanese territory, he said.
Italy’s PM Meloni urges Israel to avoid ‘trap’ of retaliation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on Israel not to fall into the “trap” of retaliation, saying she was “very, very worried” by the situation in Lebanon and by the risk of a regional conflict.
Speaking during an official visit to China, Meloni said the international community should continue sending messages of moderation, and that China could help in these efforts, having “solid ties” with Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Greece’s Aegean Airlines cancels flights to Beirut until August 1
“We are constantly evaluating the developments following the instructions of the competent authorities,” the airline said.
The announcement comes amid fears of an all-out regional war as the Israeli army promised to respond after 12 members of the Druze community were killed on Saturday in the deadliest attack against civilian casualties on Israeli soil since the start of the war in Gaza.
Israel blamed the assault on Hezbollah, which denied any involvement. Yet the group claimed responsibility for other strikes on the same day in areas nearby.
Some observers noted the deadly attack could have been a miscalculation as Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire on a near-daily basis since October 7. While the clashes have largely remained confined to border areas, they have gradually increased in intensity.
