EU foreign policy chief stresses importance of steering clear of regional conflict in Middle East

By Melike Pala

The EU foreign policy chief issued a warning Saturday about the possibility of a Middle East regional conflict.

"No one is in favor of a regional conflict. I also send this message to Israel; no one will benefit from a regional conflict," Josep Borrell said at a news conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut.

Borrell drew attention to the recent escalation of conflicts along the Lebanon-Israel border.

"I believe that war can be prevented, should be avoided, and diplomacy can prevail to find a better solution," said Borrell, and stressed the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open between the conflicting parties.

He emphasized the need to intensify efforts for a two-state solution.

Borrell said that he will visit Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss with counterparts how they can implement the EU-Arab joint initiative to revitalize international peace efforts.

He also met Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.

Tension has flared along the border between Lebanon and Israel amid intermittent exchanges of rockets and gunfire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, in the deadliest clashes since the two sides fought a full-scale war in 2006.

The border tension comes amid an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz.