European countries are trying to respond to Israel’s attack that injured five UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during the last few days. The reaction of European countries is influenced by several key factors, including their diplomatic ties with Israel, Lebanon and the broader Middle East as well as their commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts and international law.
First, European countries, particularly those strongly committed to international law and peacekeeping, issued formal statements condemning the incident. France, Italy and Spain condemned the recent targeting of UNIFIL by the Israeli army and said such attacks were “unjustifiable” and should “immediately come to an end.” They classified the Israeli attack as a “violation” of international law, particularly concerning the safety of UN personnel.
Secondly, European leaders, especially those from countries with ties to both Israel and Lebanon, called for the immediate de-escalation of hostilities. They reaffirmed the need for diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation in the volatile region. From their point of view, there is no short-term military solution to the tensions in southern Lebanon; rather, there is a long-term diplomatic solution. This is also the vision of UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti who said there was “no military solution” to the conflict and added that “the situation needs to be discussed at the political and diplomatic level.”
Thirdly, European countries also explained their position at a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting to address the situation in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Countries like France, which has historically played a significant role in Lebanon and is a key supporter of UNIFIL, advocate for measures to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and civilians in southern Lebanon. The EU delegation at the meeting also expressed renewed support for the UNIFIL mission, calling for a review of security measures to better protect peacekeepers. According to the EU statement, Brussels is pursuing de-escalation in southern Lebanon, “We reaffirm our full support to UNIFIL, in which we have a strong EU presence. In the current emergency situation, UNIFIL assumes a fundamental role in stabilizing South Lebanon. We urge all parties to respect UNIFIL’s presence and to fully uphold their obligations to guarantee the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times.” There are indeed about 700 French soldiers in UNIFIL in Lebanon, according to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. Moreover, Spain has around 650 troops in Lebanon.
Given the rise of military tensions between their soldiers and the Israeli army, European diplomats may engage in behind-the-scenes diplomacy with both Israel and Lebanon to ensure that these incidents do not spiral into a larger conflict. EU leaders could use existing channels to encourage dialogue between the parties and prevent the further deterioration of the situation. Although less likely in response to incidents without casualties beyond injured soldiers, European countries might consider leveraging economic or diplomatic measures if the situation escalates or if they determine the Israeli attack was part of a broader pattern of violations. However, Europe tends to adopt a cautious approach in applying sanctions, especially in sensitive geopolitical areas like the Middle East. France and Italy already summoned their respective Israeli ambassadors after the Israeli army targeted UNIFIL personnel. Overall, the European response is focused on ensuring accountability for these incidents, upholding international law, and maintaining peace and stability in the region while balancing Europe’s relationships with Israel, Lebanon and the broader international community.
France is trying to play a significant diplomatic role in efforts to end the Israeli military offensive in Lebanon, given its historical ties to the region, its position as a permanent member of the UNSC and its close relations with both Israel and Lebanon. However, the effectiveness of any French-led initiative, including halting military supplies to Israel, depends on several factors. Indeed, President Emmanuel Macron is calling for an end to military supplies to Israel for weapons used in Lebanon and Gaza. Nevertheless, such a move would have limited immediate impact unless it is part of a broader, coordinated international effort. France’s diplomatic influence, both in the region and at the UN, maybe a more effective tool in pushing for negotiations or a ceasefire. France can also leverage its strong humanitarian tradition to bring attention to the human costs of the conflict, thereby exerting pressure for de-escalation from a moral standpoint. This French diplomatic initiative could also receive diplomatic support from other European countries participating in UNIFIL military deployments in the context of rising tensions with the Israeli army.
Just before this sudden outbreak of military tensions between UNIFIL and the Israeli army, on October 4, 2024, the visit of Iran’s foreign minister to Beirut highlighted Lebanon’s central position in Middle Eastern geopolitics, and it underscored the influence of Iran, mainly through its relationship with Hezbollah. As Iran remains a major power broker in Lebanon, the EU has a potential role to play in promoting stability, security and reforms in the country. The EU is also supporting Lebanese state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), as a counterbalance to Hezbollah’s military wing, which is aligned with Iranian interests. Strengthening the LAF with training and resources could help maintain security in Lebanon while diminishing the dependence on Hezbollah for protection in certain regions after the conclusion of a ceasefire.
The EU can further enhance its humanitarian assistance, focusing on sustainable development, education, healthcare and reconstruction. This would help stabilize Lebanese society by addressing some of the root causes of instability and improving the livelihoods of Lebanese citizens. The EU has experience engaging with Iran through diplomatic channels, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations. Europe could use this platform to initiate discussions with Iran about Lebanon’s future, encouraging Tehran to play a more constructive role in promoting peace and stability rather than exacerbating tensions. In sum, Europe could play a balancing and stabilizing role in Lebanon by mediating between various political forces, promoting reforms and addressing the broader socioeconomic and security challenges. This engagement would also serve European interests by reducing the risk of further instability in Lebanon, which could have regional spillover effects.
