EU’s Kallas urges ‘heavy-handed’ Israel to end strikes in Lebanon
politico.eu • • general
Key Points:
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Israel's attacks in Lebanon, stating they exceed self-defense against Hezbollah and threaten the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
- Lebanese health officials reported at least 203 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, prompting calls from Kallas and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Israel to reduce its military campaign.
- Despite international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking Hezbollah with force and precision in response to attacks on Israeli civilians.
- Israel and the U.S. maintain that Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire, while Iran demands Israel halt its attacks in Lebanon to uphold the agreement, raising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Kallas's remarks may further strain EU-Israel relations, already tense due to Israel's actions in Gaza, West Bank settler violence, and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
