Egypt Condemns Israeli Escalation in Southern Lebanon

Egypt’s Cabinet, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned the “dangerous” Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon, rejecting any attempts to “establish a new reality” on the ground that undermines Lebanese sovereignty. The statement added: “The cabinet calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, as this is the primary factor that will reduce escalation and restore calm,” according to Reuters. On the same day, the Israeli military announced that regular infantry and armored units had joined ground operations in southern Lebanon, increasing pressure on Hezbollah as Israel prepared to respond to a barrage of rocket fire from Iran. The deployment of infantry and armored units from the 36th Division, as announced by Israel, suggests that the operation has surpassed the limited actions of special forces, according to Reuters.