Lebanon is urging Israeli authorities to respect the country’s sovereignty and pull back forces from the southern border, warning that any further deterioration could ignite a wider regional conflict. The call came from Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who stressed Lebanon’s desire for stability and peaceful coexistence amid rising tensions along the inter-Lebanese-Israeli front. According to sources, Mikati spoke candidly about the risk of escalation and the potential spillover into neighboring states if border clashes continue unchecked.
During a visit to Beirut, Mikati met with the European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, to discuss steps toward de-escalation and a path to political and security calm. The discussions highlighted Lebanon’s commitment to avoiding armed confrontation with any segment of its population and to pursuing peaceful means to resolve disputes. Mikati underscored that stability in southern Lebanon is essential not only for the country’s own security but for regional peace as well.
“We are working to stabilize the situation because further escalation of the border conflict in southern Lebanon could trigger a regional war”, the prime minister remarked, outlining Lebanon’s broader conflict-averse strategy and its preference for dialogue over force. The stance reflects a broader regional anxiety about the potential for a broader Arab-Israeli crisis to draw in multiple actors and create a volatile environment across the Middle East.
In response, Borrell expressed support for Lebanon’s leadership and reiterated that the international community cannot allow the republic to be pulled into the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He emphasized the shared responsibility of global partners to prevent escalation and to promote diplomatic channels that reduce risk along the border. The special envoy also indicated that the international community stands ready to assist Lebanon in managing the security situation and preserving stability for civilians living near conflict zones.
Beyond the Brussels meeting, Borrell announced intentions to travel to the Gulf region in the near future, signaling ongoing international engagement in Middle East diplomacy. A regional representative was expected to travel to the kingdom shortly, reflecting ongoing coordination with allies in addressing the broader security environment and supporting efforts to prevent flare-ups that could destabilize the region further.
Earlier incidents in the area had seen Israeli forces strike targets connected to the Palestinian Hamas movement within Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. The cross-border episode underscored the fragility of peace near front-line areas and reinforced calls from Lebanese leaders for restraint and a calibrated approach to security operations that minimizes civilian harm while preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.