EU to allocate over €200mln to Lebanese military, says Borrell

The EU is ready to allocate €200 million to assist the Lebanese military deploy additional troops to the country’s south, according to the bloc’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell. 

Borrell called for more pressure on both Israel and Hezbollah to reach a ceasefire, saying one was pending a final agreement from Israel. 

Borrell spoke on Sunday after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, who has been mediating with the group.

“As the European Union we are supporting the Lebanese people, the Lebanese army and the Lebanese institutions,” he said.

“I have asked Prime Minister Mikati what and how we can support your army, not only financially, but also technically.”

The emerging agreement would pave the way for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon below the Litani River, in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war.  

Lebanese troops would patrol the area, with the presence of UN peacekeepers. 

Lebanon’s army reflects the religious diversity of the country and is respected as a national institution, but it does not have the military capability to impose its will on Hezbollah or resist Israel’s invasion. 

ICC arrest warrants

Borrell also reiterated the EU’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), which on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. 

“The decisions of the International Criminal Court, they are not political. They are fully taken in accordance with international law. It has to apply to everybody. And we strongly support the court,” Borrell said.