Sánchez also called for the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel and for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire between Iran, the U.S. and Israel that was announced on Tuesday evening.
His concerns are shared by some at the European Commission, too. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib wrote on X: “Today’s brutal attacks by [Israel] on [Lebanon], which have left more than 100 dead – with the toll still rising – and over 700 wounded, are an outrage.”
And it’s not just Israel’s frequent detractors. Numerous European governments have tried to dissuade Israel from pursuing its ground operation in Lebanon. Even countries that didn’t sign up to joint statements, like stalwart Israeli ally Germany, have been critical of the Israeli government in recent weeks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz in March said “annexation measures” in the occupied West Bank would be a “big mistake.”
Following the battlefield incidents, both Spain and Italy have talked up relations with Lebanon. While Tajani called up Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Robles met with Hani Chemaitelly, the Lebanese ambassador in Madrid.
“The minister has once again expressed Spain’s total commitment to the security and stability of Lebanon,” Chemaitelly stated. “We appreciate this present and permanent support from the Government of Spain and we hope that during these next few days, this support will bring fruitful results.”
EU governments’ patience with Israel’s continued operations in Lebanon is likely to run even shorter should the issue doom the shaky ceasefire between Iran and the United States, unleashing further economic misery on Europeans.
This article has been updated with a comment from Hadja Lahbib. Joe Stanley-Smith contributed to this report.