From Turkey & Russia to EU & US, Israel facing diplomatic heat over Lebanon ‘incursion’

Israel is facing mounting diplomatic pressure from world powers after its military announced a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday (October 1), marking a sharp escalation in the conflict following a week of intense airstrikes that have left hundreds dead.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanon-based group, swiftly denied that Israeli forces had crossed into Lebanon, with a spokesperson calling the claims “false” and saying there had been “no direct ground clash” between its fighters and Israeli troops.

‘Israel will be stopped sooner or later’

Despite the conflicting reports, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quick to condemn the reported Israeli incursion, urging the international community to intervene. Speaking at the opening of Turkey’s legislative year, Erdogan called for the United Nations and other global bodies to stop Israel “without wasting any more time.”

“Whatever it does, Israel will be stopped sooner or later,” Erdogan said, ramping up his criticism of Israel’s actions.

Mixed signals from US

US President Joe Biden indicated that he was opposed to any Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, calling for a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed. “We should have a ceasefire now,” Biden said on Monday (September 30).

However, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin later appeared to signal support for Israel’s efforts to “dismantle attack infrastructure along the border,” giving Israel limited backing for its military actions.

Russia, China join diplomatic push

Russia, which maintains close ties with Hezbollah’s main backer, Iran, also joined the chorus of criticism against Israel. Moscow’s foreign ministry issued a statement calling on Israel to “immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory, and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict.”

“We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of friendly Lebanon, which has been subjected to armed aggression,” the Russian ministry added.

China also weighed in on the rising tensions, stating that it opposed any “infringements on Lebanon’s sovereignty.” Beijing expressed “high concern” over the situation, calling for restraint on both sides.

EU calls for ceasefire

In Europe, the European Union’s foreign ministers united in calling for an “immediate ceasefire” between Hezbollah and Israel, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging both sides to silence their weapons and allow diplomacy to prevail.

“Arms should now be silent, and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all,” Borrell said, expressing concern over the escalation of violence and potential for further destabilization in the region.

There have been reports of small Israeli raids into Lebanon in recent days, which some analysts believe could be reconnaissance missions ahead of a larger ground invasion.

The latest clashes come amid a backdrop of heightened tension along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah has ramped up its military activity in recent weeks.

Israel defends its actions

Israel, which has conducted numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, argues that its military actions are necessary to neutralise threats posed by the group.

Israeli officials have remained steadfast in their justification, citing Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and border incursions as provocations, and their response as self-defence.

With inputs from agencies