THE UNITED NATIONS has called on the Israeli and Lebanese governments to de-escalate tensions following a flare-up of violence between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he holds the Lebanese government responsible for rocket fire launched from its territory whether Hezbollah launched the weapons or not.

“The country of Lebanon and the army of Lebanon have to take responsibility [for] what happens in its backyard,” Mr Bennett told his cabinet.