Borrell urges pressure on 'Israel' to accept Lebanon ceasefire 'today'
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EU's foreign policy chief calls for pressure on Netanyahu to follow through with the ceasefire agreement today, stressing, "No more excuses. No more additional requests."
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European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gestures as he arrives for his meeting with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, on November 24, 2024. (AP)
EU's foreign policy chief urged "Israel" on Tuesday to endorse a proposed ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, stressing that it provides the necessary security assurances for the occupation.
At a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy, Josep Borrell stated that there was no reason to delay the agreement with Lebanon, urging for immediate pressure to be applied on "Israel" to approve it.
"Let's hope that today [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu will approve the ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and France. No more excuses. No more additional requests," Borrell said, criticizing hard-line Israeli ministers who have spoken against the deal.
A senior Israeli official revealed that "Israel" is likely going to approve a US plan for a ceasefire with Lebanon on Tuesday.
Borrell, who mentioned discussing the potential deal during a recent visit to Lebanon, noted that one of the key issues was whether France should be included in a committee overseeing the ceasefire's implementation, which the US is set to chair.
He explained that the Lebanese have specifically requested France's involvement, but the Israelis have reservations. "This is one of the remaining points of contention," he stated.
Borrell also criticized what he perceived as Western double standards regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former security minister who "face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war."
"You cannot applaud when the court goes against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu," he said, urging European Union member states to support the ICC.
Italy, which holds the G7 presidency, announced on Monday that it was working to facilitate a unified stance within the group on the ICC's decision. However, progress has been slow, as the US has stated it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and opposes the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
The G7 comprises the US, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Canada and Japan.
Two days ago, Borrell called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon during his visit to Beirut for talks.
"We see only one possible way ahead: an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701," Borrell stated following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts from the Lebanese side.
He reflected on his previous visit in September, saying, "Back in September I came and was still hoping we could prevent a full-fledged war of Israel attacking Lebanon. Two months later Lebanon is on the brink of collapse."
"We must pressure the Israeli government and maintain the pressure on Hezbollah to accept the US proposal for a ceasefire," he asserted, adding that "this proposal is pending with the final agreement with the Israeli government.”
