EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has expressed regret over the inability of any power, including the United States, to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Speaking to journalists at the UN General Assembly, Borrell noted that diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have been met with resistance from Netanyahu, who is determined to eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas.
Borrell supported a joint initiative by France and the U.S. for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, which Israel has largely dismissed as it intensifies its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 630 fatalities in Lebanon, including significant casualties from strikes targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Borrell warned that if Israel’s definition of “destruction” mirrors its approach to Hamas in Gaza, the conflict could extend into a prolonged war.
Reiterating his stance, Borrell emphasized the need for Europe to diversify its diplomatic efforts beyond reliance on the U.S., which has struggled to broker a truce in Gaza amid rising hostilities. He criticized the U.S. for its failure to initiate a new negotiation process akin to the historic Camp David talks.
The situation remains dire, with powerful explosions shaking Beirut as Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah’s headquarters, reportedly aiming for leader Hassan Nasrallah. This escalation has led to widespread destruction in civilian areas and has displaced over 100,000 people in Lebanon, with estimates suggesting the number could reach as high as 500,000.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the risk of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah but maintained that diplomatic resolutions are still possible. Despite calls for de-escalation from multiple nations, including Canada and Australia, Netanyahu has reiterated that military operations will continue until all objectives are met.
