United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Lebanon "will not survive" and will be "completely destroyed" if there is an escalation in the confrontation with Israel. In an interview with CNN, Guterres discussed the war in Gaza and expressed concern over potential escalation in Lebanon and other areas, particularly given the "extremely dangerous levels of violence" in the West Bank and the "more complicated situation" marked by tension between Lebanon and Israel.
Guterres said, "I am very worried, especially in the West Bank where the situation is worsening day by day, and we are witnessing extremely dangerous levels of violence." He added, "But the more complicated situation we face is, of course, related to Lebanon. We have been very active in doing everything we can with those who might have an influence on both sides: Hezbollah and Israel."
He continued, "I spoke with Iran and requested two things: first, to pressure Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, and secondly, to tell Hezbollah that they cannot create a situation that would plunge Lebanon entirely into this conflict, because if Hezbollah launches a large-scale attack on Israel, it could create effects that I do not know, but there is one thing I am sure of: Lebanon will not survive. We must do everything we can to avoid an escalation of the confrontation, as a large-scale attack by Hezbollah with a significant Israeli response could lead to the complete destruction of Lebanon."
