Condemned Iran’s attack, but remained silent on Israel’s attack in Lebanon

Ursula von der Leyen angered the EU almost a year ago when, following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli response, she aligned herself with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, despite the fact that That he had started an indiscriminate massacre of the civilian population in Gaza. Member states and the High Representative, Josep Borrell, who is responsible for the EU’s foreign policy, warned about its behavior and forced the German company to follow the line set by the capitals. Now, having been re-elected, the European Commission President has once again run alone and limited his condemnation to attacks Israel has received from Iran, while ignoring the land invasion of Lebanon.

“I strongly condemn Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel yesterday,” he said. Such actions threaten regional stability and escalate tensions in an already extremely volatile situation. “I urge all parties to protect the lives of innocent civilians,” he said in an official statement sent to the media and communicated through social networks. Von der Leyen remained silent throughout the previous day regarding the conflict in the Middle East, as a ground offensive took place in southern Lebanon. There was room in their communications to formally welcome Mark Rutte to become Secretary General of NATO or to congratulate the Prime Minister of Japan on his election.

“The EU is calling for a ceasefire on the border with Lebanon and Gaza, as well as the release of all those held hostage for almost a year,” von der Leyen’s statement said. Comply with international and humanitarian law in conflict. The president of the community government also said nothing about the attack via walkie-talkie directed at Hezbollah, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.

In general terms, condemnation has been more unanimous for the attack by Iran than for the actions by Israel, although it is true that in view of the escalation of the situation and the threat of Benjamin Netanyahu, Borrell immediately appealed to the EU Foreign Ministry. Called the ministers. Attack on Lebanon. At that meeting it was not possible to issue a joint declaration due to the veto of the Czech Republic, which refused because of its warning against a ground attack.

“This would dramatically worsen the situation,” said the text, which was ultimately released only in the name of the high representative. “I urge that international humanitarian law be respected in all circumstances. “The weapons must now be silenced and the voice of diplomacy must speak and be heard by all,” Borrell said in an appearance after a meeting with ministers.

Following Iran’s attack, the head of European diplomacy issued a new statement in which he condemned it “in the strongest terms” and called for restraint “from all sides.” Borrell warned at the time that the United States was analyzing a response to Iran and warned of “serious consequences,” adding that “a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks spinning out of control.” These appeals for containment and to stop the escalation of tensions do not appear in von der Leyen’s speech either.