GENEVA

The EU foreign policy chief and Lebanese foreign minister on Wednesday discussed how to ensure de-escalation amid tension on the border with Israel.

"Met with Lebanese Foreign Minister (Abdallah) Bou Habib. We discussed how to ensure immediate de-escalation across the Blue Line and how to reinforce efforts towards a political solution acceptable to all," Josep Borrell said on X.

Borrell stressed that Lebanon, Israel, and the region "cannot afford another war," noting that the bloc would be affected too.

"I reiterated the EU strong support to Lebanon and to the Lebanese people," he said, adding that the bloc supports the role of the Lebanese armed forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining peace and stability in South Lebanon.

Tensions have risen along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border attacks between Lebanese group Hezbollah and Israeli forces as Tel Aviv pressed ahead with its deadly offensive on Gaza, which has killed over 37,700 people since October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.