EU's Kallas Urges Israel to Halt Lebanon Strikes Amid Ceasefire Concerns
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calls on Israel to cease military operations in Lebanon, citing risks to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and regional stability.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has urged Israel to halt its military operations in Lebanon, expressing concern that the ongoing strikes jeopardize the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and regional stability.
"Israeli actions are putting the U.S.-Iran ceasefire under severe strain. The Iran truce should extend to Lebanon," Kallas stated.
She acknowledged Hezbollah's role in escalating the conflict but emphasized that Israel's right to self-defense does not justify the extensive destruction caused by recent airstrikes.
"Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the war, but Israel's right to defend itself does not justify inflicting such massive destruction," she added.
The EU's call for restraint follows reports of significant civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the ceasefire with Iran does not apply to Lebanon, allowing continued military operations against Hezbollah.
The EU's position underscores the delicate nature of the ceasefire and the potential for broader regional destabilization if hostilities in Lebanon persist.