After two unprecedented attacks in Lebanon, Israel seems poised to expand its war against Hezbollah. PAX maintains that a cease-fire in Gaza is the only way to actually achieve de-escalation in the region. The Netherlands must do much more to accomplish this.
The Israeli Defense Minister said yesterday that a new phase in the war is being opened, aimed at the north, where Lebanon is located. The goal would be to allow Israelis who have fled from the border area to return.
Bizarre events
This announcement follows events as bizarre as they are disturbing. On Tuesday, thousands of so-called pagers suddenly exploded in Lebanon, which Hezbollah had purchased. A day later, thousands of walkie-talkies exploded. This left several dozen dead, including children and medical personnel, and thousands injured. There is also a great psychological impact and economic damage. Everything indicates that this attack violates international law, in part because no distinction was made between military and civilian targets. The UN Secretary-General has condemned the attack.
It is yet another escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The attacks back and forth have increased dramatically. In many thousands of Israeli attacks, some 650 Lebanese have been killed, as a result of which tens of thousands have fled. Conversely, attacks by Hezbollah have killed more than 30 Israelis.
Dutch government remains silent
As before with (threatened) regional escalation of the war in Gaza, the Dutch government is silent. This should not be accepted. The attacks in Lebanon, through objects for civilian use, must be condemned. Israel must be made very clear that escalation of the war towards the north will not be tolerated.
After almost a year of war in Gaza, with more than 40,000 Palestinians killed and one red line crossed after another, it is high time that the Netherlands (and the EU) put serious measures on the table. Starting with an arms embargo and ending all military cooperation with Israel. Ultimately, the only real solution for de-escalation in the region is a lasting cease-fire in Gaza.