Beirut, Lebanon – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Beirut today, stepping into the simmering cauldron of tension between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. With clashes escalating on the Israel-Lebanon border, Baerbock’s visit seeks to understand the situation firsthand and explore avenues for preventing a wider conflict.
Meetings with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati are expected to be dominated by the question of de-escalation. Both sides have seen mounting attacks in recent weeks, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel and Israel retaliating against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
Baerbock’s itinerary also includes a visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the peacekeeping mission tasked with monitoring the border since 1978. With over 10,000 troops, including 200 German soldiers, UNIFIL plays a crucial role in maintaining a fragile peace.
The German Foreign Minister will also meet with Bundeswehr personnel aboard the frigate Baden-Württemberg, deployed on a UNIFIL mission since October. Their presence underscores Germany’s commitment to maritime security and preventing weapons smuggling.