MAJDAL SHAMS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday vowed a “severe” response to a deadly strike that killed youths in the annexed Golan Heights, as diplomats raced to contain escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said a flurry of diplomatic activity has sought to contain the anticipated Israeli response.
“Israel will escalate in a limited way and Hezbollah will respond in a limited way... These are the assurances we’ve received,” Bou Habib said in an interview with local broadcaster Al-Jadeed.
The United States, France and others were trying to contain the escalation, he added, while Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that “talks are ongoing with international, European and Arab sides to protect Lebanon and ward off dangers”.
On Monday White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he was “confident” a broader war can be avoided. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had spoken to Habib. — AFP
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