Ursula von der Leyen angered the EU almost a year ago when, after the Hamas attacks of October 7 and the subsequent Israeli response, she aligned herself with the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the fact that it has begun to indiscriminately massacre the civilian population in Gaza. . Member states and High Representative Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, warned against his behavior and forced the German company to toe the line set by capitals. Today, once re-elected, the President of the European Commission has once again gone it alone and limited her condemnation to the attacks Israel suffered from Iran, ignoring the ground invasion of Lebanon.
“I strongly condemn yesterday’s ballistic missile attack by Iran against Israel. Such actions threaten regional stability and increase tensions in an already extremely unstable situation. “I urge all parties to protect the lives of innocent civilians,” he said in an official statement sent to the media and also relayed on social networks. Von der Leyen remained silent on the conflict in the Middle East all day before, during the ground offensive in southern Lebanon. He had space in his communications to welcome Mark Rutte who officially took office as NATO Secretary General or to congratulate the Japanese Prime Minister on his election.
“The European Union continues to call for a ceasefire on the border with Lebanon and in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages held for almost a year,” Von’s statement added. der Leyen, which, again, makes no mention of it. respect international and humanitarian law in conflict. The president of the community government also said nothing about the walkie-talkie attack directed against Hezbollah which left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Generally speaking, condemnation was much more unanimous for the Iranian attack than for the actions perpetrated by Israel, although it is true that Borrell urgently summoned EU foreign ministers given of the escalation of the situation and the threat of Benjamin Netanyahu on the invasion of Lebanon. From this meeting it was not possible to come out with a joint statement due to the veto of the Czech Republic, which refused due to the warning against this ground offensive.
“This would considerably worsen the situation,” states the text, finally published in the sole name of the high representative. “I urge that international humanitarian law be respected in all circumstances. The guns must be silenced now and the voice of diplomacy must speak and be heard by all,” Borrell said in an appearance after the meeting with ministers.
After the Iranian 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 parties”. “The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks spiraling out of control,” Borrell also warned as the United States analyzed the response with Iran and warned of “serious consequences.” These calls for containment and to avoid escalation do not appear either
