EU: Lebanon must be covered by US-Iran ceasefire as Israel keeps troops deployed

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Monday that European foreign ministers have stressed the need for Lebanon to be covered by ongoing ceasefire efforts, as Israel continues to maintain troops in the country. Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Kallas said: “Ministers were saying that Lebanon should be covered by the ceasefire, because it’s really needed for this.” Her remarks came as concerns persisted over Israel’s refusal to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon despite international calls and a US-mediated ceasefire agreement. Kallas also announced that the EU had approved a €100 million (approximately $116 million) assistance package for the Lebanese Armed Forces to strengthen state authority.

Maritime security and sanctions

Kallas said the EU’s Operation Aspides would continue protecting shipping routes in the Red Sea, while a Franco-German coalition would operate in the Strait of Hormuz. She welcomed the US-Iran deal as a potential breakthrough but warned that “the toughest phase of the talks still lies ahead.” The EU stands ready to contribute through its economic leverage and nuclear expertise. On Gaza, Kallas said the humanitarian situation remained “dire.” Several member states proposed sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, but no consensus was reached. Many member states urged the European Commission to prepare options for trade measures targeting illegal Israeli settlements.