Beirut: Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri expressed that while Lebanese citizens have the right to be cautiously concerned about a potential Israeli escalation early next year, it is important to avoid exaggerating these fears as they are not based on serious information. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mitri made these remarks during an interview with the Voice of All Lebanon radio station. He emphasized that there are no guarantees preventing an Israeli escalation but stressed the importance of not giving Israel any pretext for aggression. Mitri also highlighted a shift in international engagement with Lebanon, especially towards the Lebanese Army. He disclosed plans for an upcoming visit by Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal to Washington, as well as ongoing discussions about an international conference to support the Army, which is being backed by a French-Saudi initiative.