The “Northern Arrows” operation launched by Israeli soldiers into Lebanon once again turned the world’s attention to the Middle East. Many countries made statements regarding Israel’s ground attacks. While most reactions called for “de-escalation of tension,” there was no clear stance against Israeli occupation from the West. Israel’s long-awaited ground operation towards southern Lebanon has commenced. Referred to as the “Northern Arrows” operation, it is claimed to include limited attacks on Hezbollah targets while informing the US about the operation.
Israel declared towns near the Lebanese border as military zones and demanded civilians to evacuate their homes immediately.
On the other hand, Hezbollah carried out attacks on Israeli soldiers in Metula, military positions in Tel Aviv, and the Mossad headquarters.
Yemeni Houthis also announced targeting Israeli military checkpoints in Tel Aviv and Eilat with drones.
Numerous countries made statements regarding Israel’s entry into Lebanon. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Israel’s ground assault in Lebanon as an “attempted occupation” and called for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Lebanese territories.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler. Erdoğan stated that after Palestine and Lebanon, the next target for the Israeli government would be Turkish territories.
Russia expressed deep concern over Israel’s military activities in Lebanon and the attacks on Syria’s capital, Damascus.
Moscow strongly condemned Israel’s ground attacks in Lebanon and called on Tel Aviv to withdraw its soldiers and immediately halt the conflicts. The Italian government, as the G7 presidency, announced that they would continue to work to reduce conflicts in the Middle East.
The statement also mentioned that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke with her Lebanese counterpart, Najib Mikati, over the phone, confirming their efforts to find a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel said, “Israel’s ground assault in Lebanon must stop immediately.”
Switzerland expressed deep concern about the escalation of security in Lebanon, calling for dialogue and de-escalation between the conflicting parties.
Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the United Nations Humanitarian Aid Office, urged all parties to immediately reduce tension.
Christian Cortez from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated that the situation in Lebanon had turned into a humanitarian crisis.
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, noted that violence had reached dangerous levels with attacks across Lebanon and beyond the Blue Line.
Hennis Plasschaert added, “This cycle of violence will not lead to a positive outcome for anyone.” Pawel Wronski, a spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Poland would limit the number of personnel working in the embassy in Beirut and organize transportation for Polish citizens wishing to leave Lebanon.