Two United Nations representatives based in Lebanon have cautioned that there is a "very real" risk of a miscalculation potentially leading to a larger conflict as cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel escalate.

This warning was issued on Saturday by UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the head of UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, Aroldo Lazaro.

In a statement, they expressed their "deep concern" over the recent altercations along Lebanon's southern border.

"The risk of miscalculation resulting in a sudden and broader conflict is very real," the officials remarked.

They called on "all parties to cease fire and commit to pursuing a political and diplomatic resolution".

Earlier in the week, Hezbollah launched its most extensive barrage of rockets and drones at Israel since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7. This move followed intensified Israeli strikes on Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Intensified Conflict

For eight months, Hezbollah has vowed to persist with attacks on northern Israel to redirect Israeli forces from the Gaza conflict. These cross-border raids have varied in frequency but have continued steadily.

However, the recent intensification of hostilities has sparked apprehension that the violence could escalate further. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to restore security along the border "one way or another".

Extreme right-wing ministers in his cabinet have advocated for more aggressive measures, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for outright war and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanding a ground invasion.

On Tuesday, an airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Jouaiya killed field commander Taleb Abdallah, the highest-ranking Hezbollah member to have perished during the eight months of conflict.

The following day, senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine announced that the group would "intensify the strength, quantity, and quality of our assaults".

The escalation persisted through Saturday, with Hezbollah claiming it targeted the Meron base in northern Israel with "guided missiles" and deployed "attack drones" towards another Israeli base.

Meanwhile, Israel's military stated that its "aircraft struck a Hezbollah terrorist" in the Aitaroun area of southern Lebanon and that artillery was fired "to remove a threat".

This ongoing conflict is unfolding as the United States and France work towards a negotiated settlement. On Friday, Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would not participate in a trilateral framework suggested by France.