Norway Condemns Israeli Minister's 'Burn Lebanon' Statement

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has issued a strong condemnation of inflammatory remarks made by Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who reportedly stated that all of Lebanon should "burn."

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Completely unacceptable.

"Completely unacceptable," Eide stated in a written response to news agency NTB. He expressed his strong disapproval of the comments, characterizing them as part of a pattern of statements from the Israeli security minister that foster fear and insecurity, not only within Lebanon but across the entire Middle East region.

Eide emphasized that such rhetoric actively works against efforts to establish peace in the Middle East. Furthermore, he argued that these statements also undermine the security of Israelis and Israel itself, highlighting the potentially destabilizing consequences of inflammatory language from high-ranking officials.

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I strongly distance myself from the statements. They are part of a long series of statements from the Israeli security minister that contribute to fear and insecurity, not only in Lebanon, but in the entire Middle East.

The Norwegian minister's statement underscores the international concern over escalating tensions and hostile rhetoric in the volatile region.

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This type of statement undermines attempts to create peace in the Middle East, and it also undermines the security of Israelis and of Israel.