EU condemns Israeli strikes in Lebanon

The European Union on Saturday condemned Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and urged Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Israel carried out fresh attacks on Thursday, claiming to target the Iran-backed militant group and accusing it of rearming. The strikes prompted the Israeli army to warn residents in four villages to evacuate, citing plans to target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

“The EU calls on Israel to halt all actions that violate UN Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024,” said EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni. He also appealed to all Lebanese actors, particularly Hezbollah, to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. “Focus by all parties must remain on preserving the ceasefire and the progress achieved so far,” he added.

The Lebanese army criticized Israel, saying the attacks aimed to “undermine Lebanon’s stability” and disrupt its military deployment in line with the ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Iran also condemned the strikes, with Tehran labeling them “savage” and calling for international intervention.

Although Lebanon and Israel remain technically at war, recent clashes have been carried out exclusively by Hezbollah, not the Lebanese military. The Iran-backed group has refused to disarm since Lebanon’s 1975–1990 civil war, citing its duty to defend the country and reclaim territory occupied by Israel.