BERLIN: The leaders of five Western countries said in a joint statement Monday that a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Lebanon “must be averted.” “A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict,” said the joint statement from the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Leaders of five Western countries on Monday called for preventing a large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon, warning that such a move could further...

BERLIN: The leaders of five Western countries said in a joint statement Monday that a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Lebanon “must be averted.” “A significant Israeli…