Japan urges Israel to exercise restraint, not attack Lebanon

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday urged Israel to “exercise restraint” amid its attacks on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, the ministry said. The appeal was made during a telephone conversation between Motegi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Motegi also urged Israel to take “appropriate” measures to ensure the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, aimed at ending the war, and an early resolution of a final agreement on Tehran’s nuclear issue, according to the ministry.

The roughly 20-minute call took place as the US and Iran reached a preliminary agreement to end months of hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy transport. Israel, which has coordinated its military operations with the US, has carried out strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Motegi expressed “serious concern” over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage caused by the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, the ministry said. He added that Japan would play a proactive role in the reconstruction of war-ravaged Gaza and voiced concern over settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank.

During the call, he urged Israel to take “swift and appropriate steps,” including a complete freeze on all settlement activities, as such activities are considered a violation of international law. Sa’ar outlined Israel’s position regarding Iran and the Palestinian territories, and both sides agreed to maintain close contact, according to the Japanese ministry.

Prior to the phone call, Motegi told a press conference that Japan wanted to contribute as much as possible to peace and stability throughout the Middle East, as well as to the region’s recovery and reconstruction, referencing the conclusion of the agreement between the US and Iran.