Josep Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, stated today, Monday, that the Middle East is on the brink of extending conflict to Lebanon, just days after Hezbollah threatened Cyprus, an EU member.
Speaking to journalists ahead of a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Borrell said, “The risk of this conflict affecting southern Lebanon is growing day by day. We are on the brink of a widening war.”
Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerasimoutris stated today, Monday, that Hezbollah’s threats against Cyprus are unacceptable, and the EU will stand by its member states against all such threats.
Arriving in Brussels for the bloc’s monthly foreign ministers’ meeting, he added, “Threatening a sovereign state within the European Union is absolutely unacceptable.”
He continued, “We stand by Cyprus, and together we will confront all kinds of global threats emanating from terrorist organizations.”
Experts are divided on the possibility of a regional conflict erupting after nearly nine months of Israel’s ongoing war to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, especially with the escalating exchange of shelling between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned in a strongly worded speech last Wednesday that no place in Israel “will be safe” from the party’s missiles if Israel attacks Lebanon. He also threatened neighboring Cyprus, an EU member.
Nasrallah revealed information received by the party indicating that Israel, which conducts annual maneuvers in Cyprus, might use Cypriot airports and bases to attack Lebanon if Hezbollah targets Israeli airports.
Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7 in Gaza, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged almost daily shelling. Last week witnessed escalations from both sides following Israel’s targeting of Talib Abdullah, considered the most prominent leader killed since the escalation began across the borders.
The escalation has resulted in the deaths of at least 478 people in Lebanon, including at least 312 Hezbollah fighters and at least 93 civilians. The Israeli side has reported the deaths of 15 soldiers and 11 civilians.
Cyprus, the small island in the Mediterranean Sea, maintains close relations with both Lebanon and Israel. It is located approximately 200 kilometers from Lebanon and 340 kilometers from Israel. Britain still retains sovereignty over two bases in Cyprus, which was a colony until it gained independence in 1960 under agreements granting the island its independence.
