The leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has issued a direct and unprecedented threat to the Republic of Cyprus, warning that it will be considered "part of the war" if it continues to allow Israel to use its territories and facilities for military exercises.
In a fiery speech, Nasrallah accused Cyprus of opening its airports and bases to the Israeli air force, suggesting this cooperation could turn the Mediterranean island into a legitimate target. "The Cypriot government must be warned that opening its airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war," he declared.
EU Leaders Scramble for a Response
The threat comes at a critical juncture, as European Union foreign ministers gather in Brussels for a high-stakes meeting. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is a top agenda item, with discussions focused on potential support for the Lebanese armed forces and even preparatory work on sanctions against Hezbollah officials.
This marks a significant shift, as the EU has so far been reluctant to follow the US lead in sanctioning individuals associated with the group. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, confirmed that work is underway to "try to avoid a regional escalation" in what he described as a "dangerous moment" for the Middle East.
A Dangerous Escalation Beyond the Lebanon-Israel Border
For months, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaged in daily cross-border strikes. However, Nasrallah's threat against Cyprus, a EU member state with historically good relations with Lebanon, dramatically widens the potential scope of the conflict.
Cyprus has firmly denied the allegations. A government spokesman stated, "Cyprus is not involved in the war conflicts. It is part of the solution, not part of the problem." The island nation plays a key role in humanitarian efforts, including the proposed maritime corridor for aid to Gaza.
Israeli officials have responded with their own warnings. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would act "with all its might" to restore security on the northern border with Lebanon, potentially through a military operation. The international community watches with bated breath, fearing that a single miscalculation could ignite a full-scale war with devastating consequences.
