German FM says Israel has ‘every right’ to be in south Lebanon, but warns of damages of war

Germany’s foreign minister offers qualified support for Israel’s military operations in Lebanon during a visit by his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, in Berlin.

Johann Wadephul underscores Germany’s staunch support for Jerusalem, but says close alliances will not “avoid difficult topics.”

Sa’ar defends the continued fighting in southern Lebanon, arguing that Israel needs to destroy Hezbollah, and promising that “Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.”

Wadephul endorses that stance, calling Israel’s ongoing invasion “necessary.”

“There’s every right for Israel to be there,” Wadephul adds.

But Wadephul also warns that “Lebanon must not be allowed to become a theater of war where it is the civilians who pay the price,” and says that “a younger generation growing up amidst the ruins of their parents’ homes” will not make Israel any safer.

Wadephul condemns Hezbollah attacks on Israel “in the strongest possible terms,” and says direct talks between Israel and the Lebanese government offer “hope.”