Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has urged Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon, expressing concern about what he described as an intensified military campaign on Beirut and in the country’s south following the Middle East ceasefire.
Albanese also called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel, repeating his government’s position that the ceasefire in the Middle East must include Lebanon as well as other fronts in the conflict.
The comments come as tensions remain high in the region despite the broader ceasefire. Albanese’s intervention reflects Australia’s concern that the fighting should not spread further or continue to escalate in Lebanon.
Calls for restraint on both sides
The prime minister’s message was directed at both parties. On one side, he pressed Israel to halt its strikes on Lebanese territory. On the other, he urged Hezbollah to cease reprisals against Israel.
His remarks underscore the Australian government’s view that de-escalation needs to be applied consistently across the region. Albanese reiterated that the ceasefire arrangement should not leave Lebanon outside its scope.
Australian surveillance aircraft to stay in the region
Albanese also confirmed that Australia’s military surveillance aircraft will remain in the region for at least another month beyond its initial deployment.
The extension indicates Australia will continue to maintain a monitoring presence as the situation in the Middle East remains fluid. The aircraft’s continued deployment suggests Canberra is still watching developments closely while calling for restraint from the parties involved.
The prime minister’s intervention adds Australia’s voice to international efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in Lebanon and supporting the fragile ceasefire environment across the wider Middle East.
