EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calls on the Israeli government to provide a concrete response to a cease-fire proposal aimed at ending hostilities with Hezbollah.
Speaking in Beirut after meeting Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Borrell emphasizes the need for swift action.
US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister in Beirut on October 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Background
Last week, U.S. senior advisor Amos Hochstein conveyed a ceasefire proposal to Israel after talks with Berri.
Borrell stresses the importance of international collaboration, including support from the U.S. and France, to achieve a breakthrough.
We await a clear and definitive response from the Israeli government on the ceasefire. We hope this initiative, supported by the U.S. and France, succeeds
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell
“Lebanon’s sovereignty must remain in the hands of its people, free from internal or external interference,” he added.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell hold a news conference on 'EU 2024 Enlargement Package', in Brussels, Belgium, October 30, 2024. (AA Photo)
EU’s position on Lebanon
Borrell underlines the European Union’s commitment to supporting Lebanon's stability:
Calls for the swift election of a president to strengthen governance.
Expresses EU readiness to allocate €200 million to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Borrell highlights that Israel’s government has so far declined the internationally backed cease-fire initiative.
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike targeting a neighborhood in southern Beirut on November 22, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. - More than 11 months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the Gaza conflict escalated into all-out war in September, with Israel conducting an extensive bombing campaign, primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds, and sending ground troops into southern Lebanon. (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP)
A man checks the site of an Israeli airstrike the previous night in Beirut's southern Hareik Hreik neighbourhood on November 22, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)
What’s next for Lebanon?
Borrell supports the deployment of the Lebanese army to southern Litani and the withdrawal of both Hezbollah and Israeli forces to restore full Lebanese sovereignty.
He urges the international community to address ongoing violence in Gaza.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (R) receiving Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Beirut on Jan. 6, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Meeting with PM Mikati
Borrell also meets Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who calls for:
Increased international pressure on Israel to end hostilities.
Greater European support to strengthen Lebanon’s military capabilities.
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