Wadephul: chance for security for Israel and Lebanon
The Hezbollah militia has rejected the US-mediated agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul nevertheless remains hopeful.
Berlin (dpa) – Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed hope following a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, urging all sides to act constructively. This applied in particular to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, Wadephul wrote on X. “Only if all sides assume responsibility can this process lead to stability, security and lasting peace.”
Wadephul said the US-mediated agreement would strengthen the security of both Lebanon and Israel, rely on direct dialogue and offer the opportunity to resolve a conflict that has lasted for decades. Germany would support the implementation of the agreement, he added. “It’s crucial for Lebanon to reliably enforce the state’s monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Equally important are clear security guarantees for Israel.”
The agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government is to bring the decades-long state of war between the two countries to an end. In the current conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, however, the Lebanese government is not a party to the fighting. Widely regarded as stronger than Lebanon’s regular armed forces, the Iran-backed militia did not take part in the negotiations and has rejected the agreement.
