The Lebanese government has formally urged the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah to refrain from involvement should any military confrontation erupt between the United States and Iran. This appeal was made public by Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji during a briefing with journalists in Geneva on Tuesday, highlighting grave concerns about the potential for a new conflict with Israel.
Heightened Regional Tensions
This diplomatic move comes amid escalating regional tensions, with the United States signaling possible new strikes against Iran. Recent developments include Iran conducting annual military drills with Russia, while a second U.S. aircraft carrier has moved closer to the Middle East. Both nations have indicated readiness for war if negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program collapse.
Warnings of Israeli Retaliation
Minister Rajji disclosed that Lebanese officials have received explicit warnings: in the event of another Israel-Hezbollah war, Israel would launch more severe strikes against civilian infrastructure across Lebanon compared to previous conflicts. "Lebanon has received signs that the Israelis could strike civilian infrastructure and maybe the airport" in Beirut, Rajji stated in Geneva, where he was attending a Human Rights Council session.
During the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2024, Beirut's airport remained operational and was not targeted. However, in the 2006 conflict, Israel did strike the airport. Historical conflicts have resulted in significant civilian casualties, injuries, and displacements in Lebanon.
Hezbollah's Recent History and Current Threats
Hezbollah, which has fought multiple wars with Israel, most recently in 2024, initiated rocket attacks into Israel following Hamas's assault on southern Israel in October 2023. This triggered the Gaza war and, after months of low-level skirmishes, escalated into a full-scale conflict in September 2024. Israeli bombardment at that time killed much of Hezbollah's leadership, followed by a ground invasion that severely weakened the group before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire nominally halted hostilities.
Since the November 2024 ceasefire, Israel has continued near-daily strikes in Lebanon, claiming they aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities.
Appeals to Western Partners
Rajji emphasized that Lebanon is also requesting Western allies to appeal to Israel to avoid attacking civilian infrastructure if Hezbollah retaliates against Israel following potential U.S. strikes on Iran. Israel is a key U.S. ally in the region, complicating the diplomatic landscape.
U.S. Precautions and Historical Context
The Lebanese government's appeal coincides with the U.S. State Department ordering nonessential diplomats and their families to leave the U.S. Embassy in Beirut due to rising tensions over Iran and the threat of imminent military action. Rajji noted he was unaware of other countries taking similar precautions in Lebanon.
Lebanon has long been a site for Iran-related retaliatory attacks against U.S. interests, given Tehran's support for Hezbollah. The group has been held responsible for deadly bombings, including the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and an embassy annex in 1984, underscoring the persistent security risks in the region.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the Lebanese government's plea to Hezbollah reflects a desperate attempt to shield its civilian population from the devastating consequences of broader regional conflicts. The situation remains volatile, with all parties on high alert for any escalation that could plunge the Middle East into further turmoil.
