EU official warns against dragging Lebanon into Israel-Hezbollah conflict

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasised the critical need to prevent Lebanon from being drawn into an expanding regional conflict amid intensified border clashes between Hezbollah, backed by Iran, and Israel.

Borrell, in a press conference alongside Lebanon's foreign minister, underscored the necessity to avert escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is absolutely necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict," Borrell stressed during the Beirut press conference, addressing concerns about the unfolding situation.

Highlighting the continuous exchanges of cross-border fire between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel since the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict, Borrell urged restraint and emphasised that no party would benefit from an expanded regional conflict.

Recent events, including a strike in Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold that resulted in the death of militant deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri, have raised fears of a wider escalation. While a US Defense Department official, speaking anonymously, stated that Israel conducted the strike, Israel has not officially claimed responsibility.

In response, Hezbollah reported launching numerous rockets toward a northern Israeli base, with Israel's military confirming approximately 40 rocket launches from Lebanese territory. Israel retaliated by targeting the group responsible for some of the rocket launches.

Expressing his stance, Borrell stressed the importance of diplomacy over armed conflict. He emphasised the urgency of keeping diplomatic channels open to prevent war, highlighting that while war might seem like an option, it ultimately represents the worst path to resolution.

Borrell's visit to Lebanon forms part of a broader effort by Western diplomats to prevent further escalation in the region, particularly along the Lebanon-Israel border, and to seek resolutions for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Following discussions with Borrell, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati cautioned against significant escalations in southern Lebanon, warning of the potential for the entire region to undergo a severe escalation.

Earlier remarks by Borrell indicated concerns over the repercussions of Aruri's killing, urging the international community to intervene for a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

The prolonged cross-border fire has resulted in casualties on both sides, with more than 175 fatalities in Lebanon, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, and casualties in northern Israel, as reported by Israeli authorities.