Egypt warns against opening new war front in Lebanon after Golan Heights attack

CAIRO – 28 July 2024: Egypt strongly warned of the perils of opening a new war front in Lebanon following the recent attack on the Majdal Shams town Israel-occupied Golan Heights in Syria.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that expanding the war to the Lebanese territory could escalate into an all-out regional war.

On Saturday, a rocket assault on a soccer field in the Druze town has killed 12 children and left 20 individuals wounded, according to Israeli reports.

Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, vowing that “Hezbollah will pay a heavy price which it has not paid up to now.”

Protecting Lebanon

In its statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry underscored the need for backing Lebanon and the Lebanese populace and institutions, calling for sparing Lebanon from the scourge of war.

Cairo appealed to the influential actors in the international community to promptly intervene to shield the region's people from the escalating consequences of the conflict spillover.

Egypt warned that such spillover could jeopardize international peace and security.

Furthermore, Cairo reiterated its warning of the dangers of the continuation of the Israeli war against the Gaza Strip.

Egypt called for an urgent and comprehensive ceasefire to end the humanitarian suffering in Gaza as soon as possible.

The statement also urged the international community to contain the negative repercussions of this crisis on the Palestinian people as well as on security and stability in the region.

Denying responsibility

Hezbollah, which has stepped up its strikes against Israel especially since the Israeli war in Gaza broke out on October 7, has vehemently denied any involvement in Saturday’s assault, dismissing all accusations as false.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), their investigations suggest that the rocket launch in Majdal Shams originated from a region situated north of the Chebaa village in southern Lebanon.

“According to reliable intelligence information in the possession of the IDF, Hezbollah is behind the attack,” the army said in a social media post.

The IDF further revealed that the rocket strike on Majdal Shams was part of a series of three separate barrages launched by Hezbollah, comprising a total of 40 projectiles aimed at northern Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz conveyed to the Israeli Channel 12, as reported by the Associated Press, that “Hezbollah has crossed all the red lines here, and the response will reflect that.”

Distress call, warning

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that any significant Israeli attack against Lebanon can lead to a regional war, reported Al Qahera News.

The ministry said it has contacted the United States to urge Israel to practice restraint in light of the recent tensions.

Iran, which strongly backs Hezbollah, warned Israel on Sunday against any new military “adventures” in Lebanon, saying they could lead to “unforeseen consequences.”

“Any ignorant action of the Zionist regime can lead to the broadening of the scope of instability, insecurity and war in the region,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani.

He stressed Israel will be responsible for “the unforeseen consequences and reactions to such stupid behavior.”