Sir Keir Starmer has urged Israel not to pursue a ground offensive in Lebanon as the IDF steps up its efforts to destroy Hezbollah.
A joint statement issued by the UK alongside Canada, France, Germany and Italy on Monday urged the Israeli Government to seek an “immediate de-escalation” with its Lebanese counterpart.
It comes in response to Israel’s announcement that the IDF had begun a “ground manoeuvre” to try to “destroy the terror infrastructure” of Hezbollah.
The military force described the intervention was “limited and targeted” – while Canada and Europe called for an end to “unacceptable” attacks targeting civilians.
Early on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said it had begun “limited and targeted ground operations” against “key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.”
But the joint statement warns how a “significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict”.
“It must be averted,” the letter continues. “The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming”.
Aftermath of Israeli airstrikes on buildings in Beirut as IDF launches ground offensive
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Israel’s campaign in Lebanon comes after it was forced to contend with missiles fired by the Iran-backed Hezbollah amid the US-Israeli war on Tehran.
Hezbollah first attacked Israel on March 2 in response to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – while the drone which hit the airfield at RAF Akrotiri is thought to have come from Lebanon.
Israel has put boots on the ground in Lebanon several times in the past 50 years, most recently in 2024 as part of efforts to secure its northern border with the country.
Hezbollah had previously refused Beirut’s proposal to disarm.
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Israel’s campaign in Lebanon comes after it was forced to contend with missiles fired by the Iran-backed Hezbollah
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The Western leaders leaders condemned the Hezbollah attacks and said they supported the efforts of the Lebanese Government to disarm the group.
The leaders’ statement added: “We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese Government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict”.
Sir Keir Starmer declared on Monday he would not let Britain be “drawn into a wider war” as he addressed the nation on the ongoing crisis.
In his Downing Street speech, the Prime Minister said: “Our priority is always the national interest, and so we have been clear and consistent in our objectives throughout this conflict.
Sir Keir Starmer declared on Monday he would not let Britain be ‘drawn into a wider war’
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“First, we will protect our people in the region. Second, while taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.
“And third, we will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbours.
“I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible, because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes, and the worse it is for the cost of living back here at home”.