World Leaders at UN Warn against 'Full-scale War' in Lebanon

World leaders gathered at the United Nations on Tuesday, September 24, to urge Israel to avoid engaging in a full-scale conflict in Lebanon, as the organization's leader warned that the situation was nearing a critical point.

"We should all be concerned about the rising tensions," stated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the commencement of the meeting. He expressed fears about the potential for Lebanon to become "another Gaza," describing the circumstances in the Palestinian territory as a "continuous nightmare."

In response to Guterres, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remarked on X, "Mr. Secretary-General, the nightmare you refer to is indeed a reality." He emphasized that "Hezbollah has effectively taken Lebanon hostage, and the UN is failing to recognize their actions or to fulfill its essential duty of preventing Hezbollah's assaults and enforcing Resolution 1701."

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also criticized the UN chief, labeling the General Assembly discussion an "annual charade of hypocrisy." He noted, "When the UN Secretary-General addresses the release of our hostages, the assembly remains silent, yet when he discusses the plight in Gaza, he is met with resounding applause."

The ambassador further stated that Israel was "not inclined" to initiate a ground invasion of Lebanon, asserting, "We do not wish to send our soldiers to fight in a foreign land." The United States, Israel's primary ally, has also expressed opposition to a ground invasion of Lebanon.