German Chancellor Merz Urges Hezbollah to Cease Attacks on Israel and Disarm

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a de-escalation of tensions in Lebanon following recent serious clashes in the country's south, according to the German Press Agency (dpa).

After meeting Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Berlin on Tuesday, Merz expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in southern Lebanon, stating, "The federal government views the recent violence in southern Lebanon with great concern."

Merz, who leads Germany's Christian Democratic Union, demanded that Hezbollah immediately cease attacking civilians in Israel and surrender its weapons. He added that the German government urgently calls on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement reached in April.

He further encouraged both Israel and Lebanon to continue the direct negotiation process that has recently begun, also referencing ongoing talks between the United States and Iran.

The confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah remain a central issue in negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting agreement to end the U.S. conflict with Iran.

In addition to the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad and maintaining effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is also demanding a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any final agreement.

Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that a ceasefire in Lebanon could threaten the political future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On Monday evening, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for containment of the situation after days of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Through his platform Truth Social, he announced that Israel and Hezbollah would initially halt their mutual attacks.