Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 16, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 16, 2026
Germany warns major Israeli ground campaign in Lebanon would worsen humanitarian situation
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (left) speaks during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on December 7, 2025. (Ariel Schalit/POOL/AFP)
Germany is enormously concerned by the developments in Lebanon, says a government spokesperson in Berlin, and warns that a major Israeli ground offensive there would significantly worsen the already tense humanitarian situation in the region.
“A glance at this part of the war zone fills us with concern because we see preparations for a major Israeli ground offensive, which would significantly worsen the already tense humanitarian situation in the region,” says the spokesperson.
The spokesperson adds that Germany welcomed efforts to restart talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Earlier today, the Israel Defense Forces announced a “targeted” ground operation amid its conflict with Hezbollah, to expand the buffer zone Israel holds in south Lebanon.
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