Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has told Israel that Canberra supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and opposes any occupation of territory in the country’s south. Get today's headlines by email Wong delivered the message in a conversation with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar after Israel signalled it could create a “defensive buffer” in southern Lebanon to counter the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Australia warns against occupationThe remarks came as regional tensions remained high, with Israel continuing military operations linked to the wider conflict involving Iran. Wong said Australia was deeply concerned about the spread of violence in Lebanon and the humanitarian impact on civilians. “Australia is gravely concerned at the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, the loss of life and displacement of more than one million civilians,” she said. She also stressed that Australia did not support Israeli control of Lebanese territory. “Australia supports Lebanon’s sovereignty – so we do not want to see occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel,” Wong said. Israel stresses security concernsSa’ar said he had outlined Israel’s security concerns during the conversation, pointing to ongoing attacks launched from Lebanon. He said Israel faced large-scale missile, rocket and drone strikes against communities in its north. According to Sa’ar, Israel was acting to defend its population and restore security in areas where residents had been displaced by the fighting. He also criticised the Lebanese government, saying it had not taken effective action against Hezbollah to stop attacks targeting Israeli civilians. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, previously indicated that Israeli forces could maintain control over bridges and a security zone extending to the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometres north of Israel’s border. Australians urged to leave LebanonWong also renewed warnings for Australians currently in Lebanon. She urged citizens to leave the country while travel remained possible and safe. “Please do not wait until it’s too late,” she said. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates about 15,000 Australians are living in Lebanon. Since the outbreak of the regional war, more than 8,000 Australians and permanent residents have returned home from across the Middle East. The Australian government recently announced an additional 5 million Australian dollars in humanitarian assistance to support civilians affected by the fighting in Lebanon, particularly women and children. Wider tensions remainThe discussion between Wong and Sa’ar also touched on several issues straining relations between the two countries. Among them were statements by Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who has advocated establishing a new border with Lebanon along the Litani River. Smotrich was sanctioned by Australia last year. Diplomatic tensions have also persisted after Israel revoked visas for Australian diplomats stationed at Canberra’s mission to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. The office has remained closed for more than seven months. Officials from the government of Anthony Albanese continue to press Israel to restore access. Australia also raised concerns over rising settler violence in the West Bank and recent Israeli measures tightening control over the territory. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 March 2026
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