Israel, Hezbollah Exchange Messages to De-escalate Tensions

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged messages through intermediaries to prevent further escalation after a significant exchange of fire that marked one of their most intense confrontations in ten months. Both sides acknowledged that they do not wish to escalate into a full-scale war, although Lebanese opposition leader Samy Gemayel has called for Hezbollah's disarmament and the application of a UN resolution to restore Lebanese sovereignty. The United Nations and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati have also urged for de-escalation and a return to the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which mandates that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers be armed in southern Lebanon. The recent hostilities began with Hezbollah launching over 300 rockets in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander, prompting Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah positions. Amidst these developments, UK officials have expressed concern that a major war in the region is a real danger and have called for restraint from all parties involved. The situation remains precarious as both sides seek to avoid further military operations while tensions persist.