Tel Aviv, March 17 (NationPress) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the Joint Statement released by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom concerning the intensifying conflict with Hezbollah, labeling it as a "misleading portrayal of reality".

Earlier, the five leaders expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence in Lebanon, urging for immediate de-escalation and advocating for constructive dialogue between Israeli and Lebanese representatives to achieve a lasting political resolution.

"Hezbollah's assaults on Israel and its civilian population must come to an end, and they must disarm. We denounce Hezbollah's alliance with Iran in its attacks, which further threatens regional stability and security. We reject assaults targeting civilians, healthcare workers, and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Such actions are intolerable, and we call upon all involved parties to adhere to international humanitarian law," the Joint Statement emphasized.

"A major Israeli ground offensive would have catastrophic humanitarian repercussions and could lead to an extended conflict. This must be avoided. The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, characterized by widespread displacement, is already extremely concerning. We reiterate our demand for the complete implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 by all involved and support the Lebanese Government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, restrict its military activities, and halt its armed aggressions. We express solidarity with the Lebanese government and its citizens, who are unfortunately drawn into this conflict," it further stated.

However, Saar dismissed this as a "misleading portrayal of reality", underscoring that since October 8, 2023, Israelis have faced unprovoked attacks from Hezbollah originating from Lebanese territory.

"These are the same Israelis who have endured a year of displacement due to constant fire from Hezbollah, yet this statement overlooks their plight. Over the past fortnight, Hezbollah has launched around 2,000 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israeli civilians. Would the citizens of the nations that endorsed this statement tolerate living under such threats? If their democracies faced similar attacks, would they accept a false equivalence between a democratic state safeguarding its citizens and a terrorist organization controlling a neighboring state?" the Israeli FM questioned.

"The statement fails to demand that the Lebanese government halt the attacks on Israel or take steps to remove Hezbollah ministers from the government. The Lebanese government has not disarmed Hezbollah, and it is now imperative to take immediate measures to stop the fire directed at Israel," he added.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Sunday that it had conducted a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure throughout Lebanon.

The Israeli Army hit launch sites in the Al-Qatrani region of southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah militants intended to use for imminent rocket launches, according to an IDF statement.

Additionally, the IDF dismantled command centers of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force in Beirut, from which militants allegedly orchestrated attacks on Israel, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The Israeli army also issued urgent evacuation orders for residents in several neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital.

In a statement, Israeli Army Spokesman Avichay Adraee urged residents of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Shiyah to evacuate immediately and to refrain from returning until further notice, according to Anadolu news agency.

He stated that the Israeli army would "forcefully operate" in these areas, citing Hezbollah's activities in the neighborhoods as the reason.

Adraee warned that anyone near Hezbollah facilities, personnel, or military assets in those locations would be targeted.

Hezbollah announced on Sunday that it was also attacking multiple Israeli military positions in villages near the border.