Regional Tensions and Calls for Western Action on Arms Exports
The Gaza crisis and the broader Arab-Israeli conflict drew renewed international attention as actors in the region proposed that ending foreign arms shipments to Israel could influence the course of the fighting. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bu Habib suggested that a halt to such arms transfers by the United States and other Western nations might be a pivotal step toward stabilizing the situation. He emphasized that without a change in Western policy, the cycle of violence could persist and potentially widen beyond the present borders, touching neighboring states and escalating into a wider regional confrontation. This view reflects a longstanding belief in Beirut that external military support plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. [RIA News attribution]
The diplomat asserted that until Western governments, especially the United States, take decisive action to suspend arms shipments, Israeli aggression would continue to shape events on the ground. He warned that any escalation, including potential Israeli strikes against Lebanon, could ignite a broader regional war, involving multiple actors and complicating efforts to achieve a durable ceasefire. The rhetoric underscores a perception in Beirut that external security guarantees and arms availability are key drivers of the ongoing hostilities. [RIA News attribution]
Bu Habib noted that, based on statements from members of the Israeli government, there are indications that Israel plans to intensify conflicts in the southern regions. He framed these signals as evidence of the intractability of the conflict under the current strategic posture, suggesting that without a meaningful shift in regional and international policy, the south could see further deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions. The Lebanese side appears to view such actions as potentially destabilizing for the broader Levantine arena. [RIA News attribution]
According to the Lebanese minister, Beirut is open to engaging in diplomacy that could stabilize the shared border and facilitate the return of refugees to their homes. He proposed that an agreement with Tel Aviv, focused on security guarantees along the border and the restoration of normal life for displaced communities, would be a constructive step toward easing tensions. This position reflects a long-standing willingness to explore practical security arrangements, provided they contribute to a durable settlement and respect the sovereignty and safety of civilians on both sides. [RIA News attribution]
Bu Habib reiterated that the Shebaa and Kfar Shuba areas, territories that remained disputed since the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, should be outside any ongoing military control. He argued that Israeli forces should withdraw from these zones to prevent further militarization near a volatile border and to create space for political dialogue and cross-border cooperation. Such a stance aligns with Beirut’s broader objective of reducing flashpoints and fostering a climate where negotiations can take precedence over retaliatory actions. [RIA News attribution]
The escalation in the Middle East was triggered on October 7 when thousands of armed supporters of Hamas moved from the Gaza Strip into Israel, conducting attacks on civilians and abducting more than 200 hostages. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war and ordered a ground operation aimed at recovering hostages and dismantling the Hamas infrastructure. The sequence of events highlighted how quickly localized violence can trigger widespread insecurity, drawing in regional actors and complicating efforts to achieve a sustainable peace. [RIA News attribution]
Meanwhile, Hezbollah, a prominent Lebanese Shiite organization, voiced its support for Hamas, signaling the potential for cross-border involvement. In the ensuing exchanges, rocket exchanges and retaliatory strikes escalated, with the Israeli military striking targets inside Lebanon in response. This interplay underscored the fragile nature of deterrence and the risk that any miscalculation could widen the conflict beyond its initial theaters. [RIA News attribution]
Earlier, Bu Habib stated that Israel had rejected a ceasefire proposal that would have addressed tensions with Lebanon. He framed the rejection as a missed opportunity for de-escalation and suggested that new international efforts would be required to create an environment conducive to a lasting pause in hostilities. The remark reflects a perception that Western mediation could be pivotal in reshaping incentives and encouraging both sides toward productive negotiations rather than continuous retaliation. [RIA News attribution]