Blinken urges Lebanon to restrain Hezbollah

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US asked the Lebanese government to restrain Hezbollah amid escalating tensions and “Israeli” threats of an attack on Lebanon following the Majdal Shams incident, which Hezbollah denied any involvement in.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib warned of a regional war if “Israel” were to launch an attack on Lebanese territory. 

He added that Lebanon requested Washington to urge “Israel” to exercise restraint amid recent tensions, noting that the US has asked the Lebanese government to restrain Hezbollah.

Earlier, “Israeli” politician Benny Gantz called for a strong response against Hezbollah and Lebanon, stressing that the current situation is untenable. 

“Israeli” media reported Gantz saying, "A significant response to Hezbollah and Lebanon is required; the situation cannot continue like this. The Netanyahu government, unfortunately, is not addressing what Israel needs for political reasons. Israel is stronger than Lebanon and Hezbollah and can handle this matter."

“Israeli” opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the Netanyahu government, stating, "The line of ministers now explaining through the media what Israel should have done in the north demonstrates that this is an irresponsible government—your job is not to explain but to act. Your explanations are an insult to the northern residents."

The Chief of Staff of the “Israeli” Army, Herzi Halevi, reported that the missile fired by Hezbollah at Majdal Shams was a "Fajr" missile with a 53kg warhead.

Hezbollah firmly denied allegations circulated by several “Israeli” media outlets regarding the attack on Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. 

Hezbollah issued a statement categorically denying any involvement in the incident and rejecting all "false claims" in this context.

In a related development, Axios reported an American official stating that "Hezbollah officials informed the UN that the Majdal Shams incident resulted from an Israeli missile defense interceptor falling on a football field."