BERLIN

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed concern over the latest Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, warning that these could destabilize the country and pose a greater security risk for Israel.

“There is a risk of the destabilization of the whole of Lebanon and that is in no way in the interest of Israel's security,” Baerbock said on Saturday, after the latest Israeli strikes killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and top commanders.

Speaking to public broadcaster ARD, Baerbock said Israeli airstrikes came after the US, France, Germany and their regional partners called for an immediate 21-day cease-fire across the Lebanon-Israel border.

“First of all, I have to say that the situation is extremely dangerous. There is a risk that the entire region could now slide further into an absolute spiral of violence,” she said.

“That was why we called for a 21-day cease-fire in New York on Thursday night, together with the Americans, the French and also several Arab countries, to prevent further escalation. But the opposite has now happened."

Baerbock argued that “from a military logic” striking terror targets in Lebanon could be seen relevant, but from a political security perspective, the latest strikes can bring about serious risks to Israel itself.

The minister warned that these strikes could also undermine Netanyahu government’s stated aim of restoring security in northern Israel, and enabling the return of about 80,000 Israelis to their homes.

“If this triggers a conflagration now, these 80,000 people will not be able to return to their homes, because the whole border region will be even more unsafe,” Baerbock stressed.

“That is why my appeal in New York was, like my American, French and the Saudi colleagues, we need this cease-fire now, and we will continue to work hard on this,” she added.