Merz made the remarks during a press conference in Berlin on Thursday. He emphasized that any escalation in Lebanon would complicate diplomatic efforts to stabilize the wider region following the recent 40-day US-Iran conflict.

The German leader stressed that the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains “extremely fragile” and that further military action by Israel against Hezbollah could undermine the delicate negotiations currently underway in Islamabad.

Merz noted that Germany, as a key European player, supports diplomatic solutions and has been in close contact with both Washington and Tehran through back-channel communications. He called on all parties to prioritize de-escalation over military confrontation.

The warning comes as Israeli officials have signaled readiness for a ground operation in southern Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah threats following repeated rocket attacks on northern Israel. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, has continued operations despite the US-Iran truce, which currently does not cover the Lebanese front.

White House officials have previously indicated that the ceasefire framework is limited and does not automatically extend to Hezbollah’s actions. President Trump is expected to discuss the Lebanon situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coming days.

German officials have expressed concern that a broader conflict involving Lebanon could draw in additional actors and destabilize the entire Middle East, potentially reversing recent diplomatic gains.

Merz reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in the region and called for the protection of civilian populations in both Lebanon and Israel.

Strategy Battles will continue monitoring diplomatic developments surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire and the situation in Lebanon.

Sources

• • Kurdistan24 — Germany’s Chancellor Warns Israeli Offensive in Lebanon Risks Derailing US-Iran Peace Talks