UN Security Council: Hezbollah and Israel Must End Hostilities; 'Relevant Actors' Should Restore Calm to the Region

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, September 7, called for an end to the escalating attacks between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces, warning that rising tensions increase the risk of a 'widespread conflict.' Israel and Hezbollah militants retreated earlier this week after heavy exchanges of fire from the UN-designated border. However, their decades-long conflict has not ended, and the level of regional tensions related to the Gaza war remains high. According to the Associated Press, the Security Council, by adopting a resolution drafted by France, called for a cessation of hostilities by Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by the Iranian government. This resolution was unanimously adopted by all 15 members and called on 'relevant actors' to restore 'calm, restraint, and stability' to the region. Although Security Council resolutions are legally binding, they are often ignored. Nathalie Broadhurst, France's deputy ambassador to the UN, stated before the vote that the risk of a large-scale war remains real, and they have mobilized alongside regional and international partners to prevent the region from igniting. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, also told reporters he has a message for the people of Lebanon: 'You and your government must choose, confront Hezbollah today or see your country descend into chaos and destruction.' Hadi Hashem, the Lebanese representative, spoke more diplomatically and thanked the council for its clear message 'in favor of stability and a ceasefire.' He urged members to 'work together, not only to end the escalation of tensions but also for a just and comprehensive peace.' Danny Danon, the new Israeli ambassador to the UN, made separate remarks amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah, stating that part of the solution to dealing with armed groups in the Middle East must include addressing the Islamic Republic of Iran. He told 'Fox News Digital' that Security Council Resolution 1701 'clearly states that no military force will exist in southern Lebanon except for the Lebanese army; but look at what has happened since 2006.' He said, 'I think the time has come for not only Israel to deal with [the Islamic Republic] of Iran but for Western democracies to realize they must pressure [the Iranian government], they must be active to prevent [the Islamic Republic] from acquiring nuclear capabilities.' In the early hours of Sunday this week, about 100 Israeli fighter jets targeted dozens of Hezbollah rocket and missile launch sites in southern Lebanon, destroying thousands of missiles that the army claimed were aimed at Israel. The US sanctioned an Israeli NGO and a settler official for 'violence in the West Bank.' Israel's ambassador to the UN: Dealing with armed groups in the Middle East must include confronting the Iranian government. Four militants were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle at the Syria-Lebanon border. David Cohen: The fate of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations lies with the leader of Hamas.