German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israel to refrain from striking civilian targets in Lebanon.

He noted that a broader ground war "would further worsen the already extremely tense humanitarian situation." "We therefore urge our friends in Israel: do not go down this path," Merz said of a possible large-scale ground operation. "It would be a mistake."

He also condemned Hezbollah for participating in the conflict "on behalf of Iran" and called on the Lebanese armed group to cease attacks on Israel and disarm.