Kallas calls on Israel to stop military operations in Lebanon
Kaja Kallas urged Israel to cease military operations in Lebanon to prevent chaos, while also calling on Hezbollah to disarm and halt its aggressive actions against Israel.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, has called on Israel to adhere to the 2024 ceasefire agreement and halt its military operations in Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos. Her statements followed crisis talks with a dozen Middle Eastern leaders, including Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, drawing immense international attention due to the sensitive situation in the region.
Kallas noted that Israel's vigorous response to attacks from Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group operating in Lebanon, undermines regional stability and exacerbates tensions. She emphasized Israel's legitimate right to self-defense under international law but also underscored the need for Hezbollah to disarm and cease all combat actions against Israel. She warned that if Hezbollah continues its attacks in support of Iran, Lebanon could become another front in the ongoing conflict with Iran, thus putting the entire Middle East at greater risk.
The call for restraint comes as concerns grow about the escalating violence and potential further destabilization of the region. Kallas's remarks highlight the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the complex relationships between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, indicating that the peace and stability of Lebanon—and the wider region—are at stake. The situation underscores the critical need for diplomatic solutions to ensure lasting peace and security in this highly volatile area.