The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned the remarks by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said "Let Lebanon burn."
Anouar el Anouni, spokesperson for the EU Commission's External Relations, responded to journalists' questions at a daily press briefing.
When asked about Ben-Gvir's comments on Lebanon, el Anouni stated, "I want to make it clear that we condemn this rhetoric in the strongest terms."
El Anouni recalled that the issue of sanctions against Ben-Gvir was raised at the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, but there was no consensus. "I will not make any predictions or speculate on next steps," he said.
Emphasizing that the EU stands with Lebanon and its people, el Anouni noted that Lebanon is paying a heavy price for a war it did not choose, and its people have suffered too long and too much.
El Anouni reiterated the EU's call for Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to withdraw its forces from Lebanon in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
He also stressed that the EU will continue to provide emergency aid and support to the Lebanese people, and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to Lebanon's security and stability in the field of security and defense.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, following the killing of Israeli soldiers who continue their attacks and occupation in Lebanon in a Hezbollah attack, argued that "Lebanon should burn" and that "for every tear shed by an Israeli mother, 1,000 Lebanese mothers should cry," despite the US-Iran agreement.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also noted that 4 Israeli soldiers were killed and called for increased attacks on Lebanon, using the phrase "Open the gates of hell."
