The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called on Israel to accept a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, brokered by the United States and France.
Speaking at the G7 Foreign Ministers‘ meeting in Italy on Tuesday, Borrell emphasised that the proposed deal includes all necessary security guarantees for Israel and should be approved without delay.
“Let’s hope that today, Netanyahu’s government will approve the cease-fire agreement,” Borrell said. “No more excuses. No more additional requests. Stop this fighting. Stop killing people.”
The proposed ceasefire aims to end the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale war in September following months of rising tensions.
The conflict began with cross-border rocket exchanges after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel last October. Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.
The deal, reportedly nearing approval by the Israeli government, has been under negotiation for weeks.
A senior Israeli official indicated that a vote on the agreement would take place on Tuesday. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated on Monday that Israel was “close” to finalising the ceasefire, but some details remain unresolved.
One sticking point, according to Borrell, is whether France should join a committee to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire. While the U.S. is set to chair the committee, Lebanon has requested French participation, which Israel is hesitant to approve.
Borrell also criticised Western nations for their inconsistent stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC). He referenced the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defence minister over alleged war crimes in Gaza, comparing it to the court’s actions against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“You cannot applaud when the court goes against Putin and remain silent when it goes against Netanyahu,” Borrell argued, urging EU member states to support the ICC’s decisions.
While the proposed ceasefire in Lebanon seeks to address the conflict along the northern border, it does not cover Israel’s separate invasion of Gaza.
The ongoing military operation in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas, has left the area devastated and claimed over 40,000 lives, according to reports.
The EU and other international actors continue to press for a resolution, with Borrell stressing the need for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
