Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Criticizes Israel's Actions in Lebanon and Calls for Ceasefire Inclusion

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the conflict in Lebanon. In recent statements, Sánchez described Netanyahu's actions as showing contempt for life and international law. He called Israel's military operations in Lebanon criminal.

Sánchez emphasized the need for Lebanon to be included in ceasefire negotiations. The comments come as Israel conducts airstrikes and ground operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. These actions follow escalations in cross-border exchanges that began in October 2023, after the Hamas attack on Israel.

Conflict The Israel-Lebanon border has seen intermittent clashes since the start of the Gaza war.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has fired rockets into northern Israel in support of Palestinians. Israel has responded with strikes that have caused civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon. At least 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since the escalation intensified in September 2024, according to Lebanese health authorities.

2 million Lebanese have been displaced. The United Nations has called for de-escalation to prevent a wider war. Sánchez's remarks highlight divisions among European leaders on the issue. While some EU countries support Israel's right to self-defense, others advocate for stronger criticism of civilian impacts.

Spain has historically taken a pro-Palestinian stance in international forums.

in ceasefire talks could involve mediators like the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, who are already engaged in Gaza negotiations.

A broader agreement might address Hezbollah's disarmament under UN Resolution 1701 from 2006. Failure to do so risks prolonged instability affecting regional economies and refugee flows into Europe. Sánchez's position aligns with calls from other leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, for an immediate halt to hostilities.