Germany's Baerbock: Destabilizing Lebanon is not in Israel's interest

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the situation in the Middle East after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as "extremely dangerous" and expressed clear criticism of Israel's actions.

"There is a risk of destabilizing the whole of Lebanon. And that is in no way in Israel's security interest," the Green politician told public broadcaster ARD on Saturday.

She asserted that there was a danger of the whole region being further dragged into a spiral of violence. Therefore, she said, Germany, together with the United States, France and several Arab countries, demanded a 21-day ceasefire in the Middle East on Thursday in New York to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

"The opposite has now happened," Baerbock said. "And now with the recent reports, it must be said clearly: The military logic, that is one thing, in view of the destruction of Hezbollah terrorists. But the security logic is another."