European sources 'downplay' escalation risks in southern region: Israel and Hezbollah show restraint

European diplomatic sources "downplayed" the possibilities of escalation in the southern region.

This article is originally published in, translated from Lebanese newspaper Al-Joumhouria.

They informed Al-Joumhouria: "What we are witnessing in terms of daily developments and military operations has not yet deviated from a certain pace that the involved parties seem to be constrained by since the start of the confrontations."

This, according to the sources: "Clearly reflects that Israel and Hezbollah are not pushing towards a wide confrontation due to the clear understanding of the high cost of such a war."

However, the same sources do not believe in the stability of the situation as it currently stands, due to "fluctuations" in the controlled escalation. They fear, as they said, "that the logic of escalation may prevail here or there."

They added: "Within Israel, as well as within Hezbollah, there are voices pushing for a widespread war, and 'surrendering' to it means igniting fire on a wide scale."

Furthermore, sources indicate efforts towards a political resolution, noting ongoing preparations for a lasting truce in Gaza despite heightened tensions and the increasing demands from both Israel and Hamas.

Both sides are aware that the conditions will ultimately be lowered, and there is no "escape" from reaching a truce upon which further truces can be built.

Parallel to that, efforts for a political solution on the Lebanese front are underway to formulate arrangements that stabilize the region based on agreements that consolidate security and stability on both sides of the border.