Borrell convenes 27 member states to discuss escalation in Lebanon: ‘Ready to increase support’ to regular army

Brussels – In a video conference from Mexico, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell convenes the foreign ministers of the 27 member states to take stock of the situation on the Middle East conflict. As rumors of a land invasion by the Israeli army into Lebanon swirl and Joe Biden declares that he “would prefer” Netanyahu to stop, the EU intercontinental meeting confirms the impotence of the international community toward the post-October 7 disaster. “We call for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel,” the ministers say after an hour of discussion.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeals to the Iranian people and stands as their liberator from the theocratic regime, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announces that “the next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon,” the Lebanese terrorist group, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iran promise that they will continue their fight against Tel Aviv. All this translates into “a million new displaced people” for the people of Lebanon, Borrell said, and more than 800 deaths in less than a week. Not to mention Gaza, a hell about to celebrate its first nefarious anniversary.

According to Borrell, who chose his words so that all 27 EU countries agree, “the massive Israeli strikes on Beirut and all over Lebanon” were “certainly targeting Hezbollah leaders, but obviously they also represent a violation of the sovereignty of an independent country. The high number of casualties cannot be forgotten.” As if there was still a need, the EU diplomacy chief added that “many members have stressed that it [this situation] started by Hezbollah’s attacks to the border following October 7.”

Brussels will work to ensure humanitarian assistance, as it did in Gaza: Beirut has requested the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and France has offered medicines and two mobile hospitals. Today, the European Commission announced a further 10 million euros of humanitarian aid for the people of Lebanon affected by the escalation.

In parallel, there is a desperate attempt to strengthen the Lebanese state and its institutions. In May, the EU announced 1 billion in assistance to Beirut, 500 million of which were released in August. “We are ready to increase support to the regular army” of Lebanon, which must ensure to have “the capacity to have the monopoly on the use of violence,” Borrell insisted. To stop the firing of rockets from the south of the country into northern Israel.

“Arms should now be silenced, and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all,” Borrell pleaded. Ultimately, the 27 member states defer to the United Nations, knowing they have no role in the game. “We call for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council,” the High Representative announced from Mexico.