Brussels: The European Union on Monday strongly condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suggesting that Lebanon “must burn,” describing such rhetoric as unacceptable while reaffirming support for Lebanese sovereignty and stability.
According to Anadolu Agency, a European Commission spokesperson addressed Ben-Gvir’s comments and ongoing discussions among EU members on possible sanctions against the minister, stating that the bloc condemns “in the strongest possible terms” such discourse. “Let me be clear, the EU strongly condemns and this in the strongest possible terms, such discourse,” Anouar El Anouni told reporters at a daily briefing.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted last week that several member states support imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir, although consensus has not been reached, similar to past discussions over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite a US-Iran peace framework deal, Israel, which has attacked Lebanon since early March, refuses to withdraw from Lebanese territory, continuing its military actions despite an understanding to implement the ceasefire reached in April.
Ben-Gvir had previously asserted on social media, “For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn! With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit.”
Anouni declined to comment on possible next steps ahead of further discussions expected in July. “I will not from here prejudge or speculate in any way whatsoever in terms of the next steps,” he said. He further emphasized, “The EU stands with Lebanon and with the people of Lebanon,” adding that Lebanon is “paying a heavy price for a war that it did not choose.”
The spokesperson called on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the country to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He also recalled that the European Council last week urged Israel to refrain from any further escalation.
The EU remains committed to Lebanon’s security and stability, continuing to provide emergency assistance to the country. As part of that support, the bloc recently approved a pound 100 million assistance package through the European Peace Facility aimed at strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces.