EU’s Kallas urges ‘heavy-handed’ Israel to end strikes in Lebanon – POLITICO

Both Kallas and Guterres have accused Israel of endangering a ceasefire deal that U.S. President Donald Trump announced earlier this week with Tehran, but which looks increasingly shaky as Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz over the attacks in Lebanon.

But Israel shows no signs of backing down.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday his country would “continue to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” and “Whoever acts against Israeli civilians—will be struck.”

Israel and the U.S. argue that Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire agreement. But Tehran has said it will only hold up its end of the deal if Israel stops its attacks in Lebanon, where Israel Defense Forces are attacking Hezbollah, a militant group and political party that is closely aligned with Iran.

The criticism from Kallas is likely to further strain relations between the EU and Israel, which hit rock bottom over Israel’s war in Gaza, when Brussels downgraded its trading relationship with Israel. Further tensions have flared up amid strong criticism of violent West Bank settlers and the ongoing campaign against Hezbollah.