Germany’s Scholz calls for de-escalation after Israeli attack on Iran

BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on Iran to exercise restraint after Israel’s attack to avoid further escalation in the region.

In a statement posted on social media, Scholz said the Israeli government has informed Berlin that it carried out “precise and targeted” strikes on Iran’s military facilities.

“They have tried to minimize human casualties. This offers the possibility of avoiding further escalation,” Scholz said and asked Iran not to respond to Israel’s overnight strikes.

“My message to Iran is clear: This escalation must not go on and on with massive reactions. This must end now. This will provide an opportunity for peaceful development in the Middle East,” he said.

The chancellor renewed his call for a cease-fire in Gaza and asked all relevant actors to contribute to the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“The same applies to Lebanon. UN Resolution 1701 should guide the behavior of all parties involved. We expect Hezbollah to withdraw behind the Litani River. So that peaceful development could also be possible here,” he said.

At least two Iranian soldiers were killed on Saturday when the Israeli army targeted Iranian military facilities in response to Iran’s large-scale October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.

Iranian military officials had previously warned that any attack from Israel would be met with a “harsher response.”

Israel mounted a huge air campaign in Lebanon last month against what it claims are ‘Hezbollah targets’ in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the conflict this year by launching an invasion into southern Lebanon on October 1.

In over a year of its offensive on Gaza, Israel has killed nearly 43,000 people and injured over 100,000 others, according to official figures.