EU calls on Israel and Hezbollah to show restraint in 'moment of truth' for Lebanon

The European Union's foreign ministers have called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Hezbollah and Israel amid reports Israel has launched small raids into Lebanon ahead of an imminent ground invasion.

"The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed and any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation and has to be avoided," the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement following emergency talks between the bloc's foreign ministers.

"We are very much concerned about the risk of this further escalation of the conflict across the region, and urge all parties in the region to show restraint in the interest of de-escalation."

"Arms should now be silent and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all," Borrell added.

Speaking in Lebanon earlier on Monday, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to “refrain from any ground incursion and to stop firing,” calling on Hezbollah also to do the same.

The EU ministerial meeting, which took place over video call, was informal, meaning no decisions were taken regarding the bloc's response to the escalation of hostilities. Deep divisions between EU countries’ positions on the conflict engulfing the Middle East since the war in Gaza broke out last October have weakened the bloc’s diplomatic clout in the region.

The EU's caution came just hours after Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said the "next phase" of Israel's war against Hezbollah would “begin soon,” and briefed troops stationed near the Lebanese border in northern Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his security cabinet later on Monday.

Overnight on Sunday, Israeli strikes targeted the heart of the Lebanese capital of Beirut for the first time since October 7, prompting the international community to scramble to prevent a further spillover of the conflict. 

It followed seven consecutive days of airstrikes on Lebanon in which a raft of senior Hezbollah officials, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah, were assassinated. Israel has also ramped up strikes on other Iran-backed militants, killing Hamas’ leader in Lebanon and targeting Houthi militants in Yemen.

EU expresses support for fragile Lebanese government

Borrell also reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting the Lebanese authorities and highlighted ongoing efforts to provide critical humanitarian aid to its citizens.

Strikes targeted at Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure in civilian areas have prompted as many as one million people in Lebanon to flee their homes, with some 100,000 estimated to have sought refuge in neighbouring Syria.

On Monday, the European Commission also released €10 million in additional humanitarian aid to Lebanon to help those affected by the escalation. Medicine and medical equipment made available under the EU’s civil protection mechanism were delivered on Sunday. 

Lebanon’s deepening economic crisis, fragile government, and the presence of Hezbollah in its territory have all made it vulnerable to the instability that has gripped the region since October 7.

EU leaders had already committed to deeper engagement with Lebanon back in April, fearing an escalation.

"The EU has to collectively commit to preserve its (Lebanon's) state institutions (which are) at risk of collapsing," Borrell said, adding that the election of a Lebanese president was critical to supporting the country's stability.