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BERLIN — The German government issued a stern warning to Jerusalem on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, stating that any attempt by Israel to annex Lebanese territory would be a “clear violation of international law” and would not be recognized by the Federal Government.
The statement, delivered by Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese, follows recent remarks by senior Israeli ministers—including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—calling for Israel to permanently extend its northern border to the Litani River.
The “Litani Line” Controversy
The diplomatic rift centers on the proposed creation of a permanent “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, a region currently seeing the most intense ground maneuvers since the start of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war on February 28.
- Smotrich’s Demand: On Monday, Minister Smotrich argued that Israel’s security can only be guaranteed by the “outright conquest and annexation” of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, effectively seizing roughly 10% of Lebanon’s total territory.
- The “Gaza Model”: Defense Minister Israel Katz similarly suggested that displaced Lebanese residents would not be allowed to return to their homes south of the Litani until a “vague safety standard” is met, leading critics to fear a permanent Israeli occupation similar to the “security perimeter” established in Gaza last year.
- German Rejection: “An annexation of Lebanese territory by Israel would, of course, be contrary to international law,” Giese said. “We have noted these remarks by certain Israeli ministers with great concern.”
The “Five-Nation” Warning (March 26, 2026)
Germany’s solo statement reinforces a joint declaration issued by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK earlier this week.
| Country / Bloc | Official Position |
| Germany | Annexation is “not acceptable”; calls for return to UN Resolution 1701. |
| Canada | Strongly condemned plans to occupy territory; urged respect for Lebanese sovereignty. |
| France | President Macron called Lebanese integrity “essential” and warned of “devastating consequences.” |
| Israel | Claims a “buffer zone” is a military necessity because the Lebanese army failed to disarm Hezbollah. |
| Lebanon | Has formally expelled the Iranian ambassador but labeled the Israeli ground move an “existential threat.” |
Ground Reality: Operation “Roaring Lion”
While diplomats argue over maps, the IDF has accelerated its ground campaign in southern Lebanon, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion.
- The 8km Push: Israeli media reports suggest the military has been instructed to expand its presence up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) inside Lebanon to destroy what it calls “terror infrastructure.”
- Bridge Destruction: Since March 13, the IDF has destroyed five major bridges over the Litani River, effectively cutting off southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.
- Civilian Toll: The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that over 900 people have been killed since March 2, with nearly 20% of the population (over 1 million people) now displaced.
What’s Next?
The German warning adds significant European pressure to the Friday, March 27 deadline. While the U.S. is focused on the “total infrastructure phase” in Iran, European capitals are increasingly worried that an Israeli annexation in Lebanon will trigger a “protracted insurgent-style resistance” that could last for decades. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that ending the broader regional conflict is the “only real solution” to preventing a permanent redrawing of the Middle Eastern map.
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