PM Warns of ‘Escalation’ in Middle East Following Hezbollah Rocket Attack

Israeli forces check a building that was hit by a Hezbollah rocket in Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, on March 27, 2024. (JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned of the dangers of escalating tensions in the Middle East following a Hezbollah rocket attack.

Twelve children were killed when the projectile, allegedly fired by Hezbollah, struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights on July 27.

Hezbollah is an Iran-backed Lebanese group designated as a terrorist organisation by the Australian and U.S. governments.

In a press conference on July 29, Mr. Albanese reiterated the Australian government did not underestimate “the great risk of escalation” in the Middle East.

This came after he issued a joint statement with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand President Christopher Luxon warning about the a possible rise in hostilities between the two factions.

“One of the things that the statement talked about really up high was the Iranian-backed proxies, effectively the danger of them, whether it be Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthis, engaging in an escalation,” Mr. Albanese said on Sky News.

“We saw that with tragic consequences for those Israeli citizens who lost their lives over the weekend. We continue to see a loss of life in Gaza, including from innocent civilians, and that is why we backed the U.S. peace deal put forward by President Biden. It is time for all parties to agree to that ceasefire and those arrangements.”

Mr. Albanese said he wants to see hostilities cease, hostages released, and a pathway toward peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

“And we certainly warn of the risk of an escalation. I mean, Hezbollah is a very different organisation from Hamas. They represent a risk of a far more savage conflict occurring with consequences for Israel, for Lebanon, for the Middle East, and world peace,” he said.

Mr. Albanese repeated the government’s warnings and declarations that Australian citizens should not travel to the region “given the instability there and the risks of escalation there.”

US Blames Hezbollah for the Attack

In a statement on July 28, the United States attributed the attack to Lebanese Hezbollah, following discussions with Israeli and Lebanese authorities.

“It was their rocket and launched from an area they control. It should be universally condemned,” National Security Committee spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“Hezbollah started firing on Israel on October 8, claiming solidarity with Hamas, another Iranian-backed terrorist group. Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah.”

The White House said the United States is also working on a diplomatic solution along the “Blue Line” that will end all attacks once and for all, and allow citizens on both sides of the border to return to their homes safely.

The Blue Line is a demarcation line backed by the United Nations that separates Lebanon and Israel.

Meanwhile, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, said he was shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of young life caused by the rocket attack.

“[Twelve] children were killed on a football pitch by an Iranian-made rocket launched by terrorist group Hezbollah. This attack should be condemned unreservedly,” he said on Instagram.

Mr. Sharma said this was the latest in a continued series of unprovoked and unjustified attacks by Hezbollah on Israel’s civilian population.

“Having visited Majdal Shams on a number of occasions, I know the town and its predominantly Druz inhabitants well, and I know they will be feeling the terrible loss of so many innocent young lives.”

What the 3 Prime Ministers Had to Say

Meanwhile, the statement by Mr. Albanese, Mr. Trudeau, and Mr. Luxon condemned Iran’s attack against Israel from April 13 to 14, and called on Iran to refrain from further destabilising the Middle East.

The prime ministers also demanded Iran and its affiliated groups, including Hezbollah, cease their attacks.

“We also condemn the Houthis’ ongoing reckless acts, including their indiscriminate drone attack in Tel Aviv and ongoing attacks on international shipping,” the statement said.

“We are particularly concerned by the situation along the Blue Line, including the escalation of hostilities and rhetoric between the terror group Hizballah and Israel.”

This situation has led to the displacement of thousands of Israelis along the northern border and thousands of Lebanese along the southern border, the statement noted.

“Further hostilities put tens of thousands of civilians in Lebanon and Israel at risk.”

The statement also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning that human suffering is unacceptable and cannot continue.

“This escalation in hostilities only makes a ceasefire in Gaza more urgent. We urge all involved actors to exercise restraint and de-escalate,” the statement said.