A senior Lebanese diplomat has warned that an Israeli invasion into Lebanon would spark ‘doomsday’ scenarios on the ground.
Rami Mortada, Lebanon’s ambassador to the UK, warned that Lebanon’s army, which have been trained by the British, would not watch ‘idly’ if Israel launches an offensive against Hezbollah.
Mr Mortada told The Times: ‘We are facing all the risks of an all-out regional conflict and that’s what we have been tirelessly trying to avoid.’
Hezbollah and Israel were last engaged in a direct conflict in 2006, which lasted for a month and was inconclusive. Since then, the group has becomea ‘formidable’ force, Mr Mortada said.
He added: ‘Let’s hope that we don’t get there because this is a doomsday scenario for everyone. It’s definitely a doomsday for Lebanon but Lebanon will not hurt alone in this war.
‘That’s what recent history taught us. So all efforts should be focused on avoiding such an outcome.’
Today, IDF Reserve Forces commander Nechama issued a chilling warning: ‘It is time for Lebanon to suffer as well. The power plants, bridges, airports and seaports as well.
‘They are a sovereign country and a sovereign country has responsibility for what happens on its territory.’
Lebanon is home to almost 6 million people. Of those citizens, only an estimated 20,000 and 50,000 are Hezbollah fighters.
Yesterday, British nationals were urged to leave Lebanon while they still can as tensions rise in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli jets caused sonic booms over Beirut as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave a speech, warning of retaliation against Israel for the sychronised detonations of pagers and hand-held radios, which killed 37 and injured 3,000 this week.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he expressed ‘deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties in Lebanon’ in a call with its Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
He said: ‘My message to British nationals in Lebanon is leave while commercial options remain. Tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate rapidly.’
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