World counsels Israel on war against Lebanon

Macron says ‘diplomatic path’ exists while war fear grips Lebanon

By Manish Anand

New Delhi, September 20: The world, stunned at scale and precise of modern Israeli warfare which exploded pagers in pockets to kill over three dozen people in Lebanon, is counselling Tel Avil against starting a new war zone.

French President Emmanuel Macron sounded out “diplomatic path”. “War is not inevitable…,” said Macron in a video message for Lebanon.

He said “…  and nothing, no regional adventure, no private interest, no loyalty to any cause merits triggering a conflict in Lebanon”.

The communication devices in Lebanon began exploding around time when Israel announced a new phase of ‘Gaza War’. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday had announced a new phase of the ‘Gaza war’.

Watch Video of Macron on Lebanon

Israel expanded “Gaza War” aims to include forward offensives to free border areas with Lebanon and Syria from threats of attacks. Israel is now stating that the displaced Israelis from border areas with Lebanon and Syria should be able to return to their homes.

Israel claims that the people had fled because of Hezbollah’s missile attacks. The Hezbollah is now with no means of communication after the group faced serious casualties with exploding pagers.

The 2006 Israel-Lebanon War had not settled claims of Tel Avil. The western commentators are stating that it will be a “war of choice” for Israel with Lebanon.

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The Israeli military on Thursday gave an account of military action in Lebanon. It stated “dozens of strikes were carried out against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon”.

The Lebanese military on the other hand said that Israeli warplanes flew at low altitude over Beirut. War fear is sweeping through Lebanon, said the Middle East analysts.

Lebanon-based Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has vowed revenge on Israel for the killing of 37 people in pager explosions. “Israel will face just retribution and a bitter reckoning. I will not discuss time, nor manner, nor place,” said Nasrallah in a televised address after the hand-held devises exploded in a coordinated manner to hit the Hezbollah ranks.

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Analysts are wondering if Israel is on the verge of launching a ground offensive in Lebanon. They argue that the aim of return of displaced Israelis to the border areas, numbering about 1,00,000, may not be possible without an outright win over Hezbollah.

Also, Iran is the moral guardian of Hezbollah. An Israeli ground incursion in Lebanon may drag Iran into a war with Israel, fear the security analysts.

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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