German, Norwegian Ministers Forced to Cancel Beirut Visit amid Mounting Tensions
A planned visit to Beirut by ministers from Germany and Norway was canceled on Monday amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on the Lebanese capital, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Canceled Visit
Germany’s International Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan and her Norwegian counterpart, Asmund Aukrust, were forced to abort their trip and return to Berlin “for military reasons” as they approached Beirut airport due to the “rapidly worsening situation.”
Both ministers had planned the trip to show solidarity with the Lebanese people, according to Norwegian daily VG.
During the visit, they were due to hold meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, as well as with civil society groups and displaced people.
However, their German military aircraft was forced to divert and land in Cyprus before returning to Berlin.
A spokesperson for the Norwegian government confirmed to AFP that the visit had been called off.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon Involvement
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched a series of attacks to support its ally, Tehran.
As a result, Israel has launched an extensive military campaign that has since killed more than 3,000 people.
Unprecedented Escalation
On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned what he described as a dangerous escalation by Israel in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier ordered the Israeli military to launch strikes against southern Beirut, claiming that the operations were aimed at “terrorist” targets.
On Sunday, Netanyahu further intensified the conflict, with Israeli forces striking positions held by Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.
“What is happening now makes it all the more important to show our solidarity,” Aukrust added.
He also noted that the Lebanese people “must know that, as far as Norway is concerned, we will continue to fight for them and uphold international humanitarian law.”
At the same time, Alabali Radovan urged all sides to de-escalate the tensions and resume ceasefire negotiations.
Iran has repeatedly underscored that any peace deal with the United States must include a ceasefire in Lebanon as a key condition.
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