September 13, 2024
By Nasser Kandil
• In an article published in Le Monde on January 15, 2024, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, warned against the double standards applied to the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. He stated that remaining silent on Gaza while evading responsibility for confronting the actions of the occupying entity, which mirror those of Russia in Ukraine, would strip the West of its moral authority regarding the war in Ukraine.
• In February 2024, Borrell commented on the occupying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to halt a military operation in Rafah, remarking that the entire international community is “begging” Netanyahu. He attributed Netanyahu’s arrogance to the indulgence he receives from the U.S., adding that President Biden might consider sending fewer weapons instead of offering more advice.
• Borrell is expected to visit Lebanon to discuss the situation on its southern border and call for de-escalation. Yet, he knows such rhetoric is mere public relations. As he previously noted, under the U.S.’s blind support for Netanyahu, the moral downfall of what is called the international community will continue. The war on Gaza will only end if Netanyahu is forced to stop – something Hezbollah is actively pursuing on the Lebanese front by exhausting the occupying forces, creating complications such as the refugee crisis. This strategy could overwhelm the occupation, driving it to cease the war on Gaza to alleviate its burdens. Netanyahu, on the other hand, is well aware that Lebanon’s resilience in avoiding a fate similar to Gaza’s does not stem from the rule of international law or the effectiveness of global institutions, but from the strength of the resistance and the deterrence measures that force the occupation to calculate the consequences of its actions should it overstep in its use of force.
• One would have hoped that during Borrell’s visit to Beirut, upon learning of Tel Aviv’s decision to deny him entry, he would have defended his dignity and the principles he represents. Instead of cancelling his visit, he could have praised Lebanon and its people for choosing the path of resistance to protect their country, sparing themselves the humiliation that “Israel” inflicts on the world. Lebanon, unlike others, is doing what is necessary to stop the war on Gaza. Lebanon, without the need for ineffective prescriptions, has found the solution that safeguards it – resistance.
• We ask Mr. Borrell: By what law and under what principles is the resistance treated as a terrorist organisation, while “Israel” is regarded as a state of law?
