European Union urges de-escalation of tensions on Lebanon-Israel border

On September 12, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell called for a de-escalation of tensions on the Lebanon-Israel border, amid concerns about the risk of a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

At a joint press conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut, Mr. Borrell urged all sides to de-escalate military tensions.

Mr Borrell called for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to pave the way for a comprehensive solution, including demarcating land borders and allowing thousands of displaced people to return home. The resolution ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

For his part, Foreign Minister Bou Habib reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to the comprehensive and balanced implementation of Resolution 1701.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been fighting almost daily since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7. The situation has escalated several times, but diplomatic efforts have prevented the conflict from spreading.

Cross-border fighting since October has killed 619 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but also at least 138 civilians. On the Israeli side, at least 24 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed.