Israel maintains dialogue with Russia amid Lebanon conflict escalation Ambassador says 

Israel's ambassador to Moscow Simona Galperin has said that Israel is maintaining contacts with Russia regarding the current situation arising from the escalation of the conflict with Lebanon.

"There are ongoing talks on the current situation between Russia and Israel. These discussions primarily take place here in Moscow, through my channels. I engage with the leadership and representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry and other state agencies. These talks will be continued," the diplomat said when asked about the two countries' interactions amid the escalating tension between Israel and Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

These ties are supported by ambassadors, embassies, she emphasised, adding that diplomatic relations between the two nations remain crucial and consistently active. Israeli military forces reported that approximately 40 projectiles were fired from Lebanese territory. The shelling targeted the Upper Galilee and Haifa Bay areas.

Shortly before this, air raid sirens were activated in the Haifa area. The military stated that some rockets were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. Several impacts from the projectiles were recorded in the affected areas. 

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following the infiltration of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. This incursion was marked by the killing of residents in border settlements and the taking of hostages. In response, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza and initiated a military operation in the region. 

On September 23, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation "Northern Arrows" against Hezbollah formations, conducting extensive airstrikes on military targets associated with the Shiite group in Lebanon. Subsequently, on September 30, Israel announced the commencement of a limited ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.

By Naila Huseynova