Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a televised warning to Cyprus on Wednesday, stating that allowing Israel to use its military infrastructure to target Hezbollah would be considered an act of war.
"Cyprus is a member state of the European Union. This means the European Union is Cyprus, and Cyprus is the European Union. Any threat against one of our member states is a threat against the European Union," said EU spokesperson for foreign affairs Peter Stano in response to Nasrallah's threat.
Nasrallah, speaking at a ceremony honouring Hezbollah senior commander Taleb Abdullah, killed in an Israeli airstrike last week, warned Cyprus that permitting Israeli use of Cypriot airports and bases against Lebanon would implicate the Cypriot government in the conflict.
"The European Union fully supports Cyprus in this matter and stands by the statements made by the President of Cyprus regarding Hezbollah's threats," Peter Stano reiterated during Thursday's briefing at the European Commission.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides responded, affirming Cyprus' commitment to peace: "Cyprus remains uninvolved in any military conflicts and positions itself as part of the solution, not the problem."
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis dismissed suggestions of Cypriot involvement in military operations in Lebanon as "totally groundless."
Cyprus has bolstered its relations with Israel, driven by the discovery of undersea natural gas deposits. Joint military exercises between Israel and Cyprus have occurred, but Cyprus, not a NATO member, has refrained from participating in military operations.
Concerns persist that Cyprus could become embroiled in a broader conflict if it allows Israel to utilize its ports and airports to target Lebanon.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has escalated tensions with Israel through rocket and drone attacks since Hamas' October 7 assault.
Israeli Army spokesman Daniel Hagari cautioned Monday of a potential wider escalation with devastating consequences looming.
"The European Union views any threat against its member states seriously. Therefore, we fully support Cyprus and the statements made by its President in response to Hezbollah's threats," Stano affirmed.
Stano added that the EU closely monitors tensions on the Lebanon-Israel border and reiterated calls for de-escalation in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He welcomed diplomatic efforts by France and the United States aimed at reducing tensions.
When asked about the impact of Hezbollah's threats on EU-Lebanon relations, Stano reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Cyprus and engaging with regional and international partners to de-escalate the situation.
Stano acknowledged ongoing dialogue with all Lebanese stakeholders, including Hezbollah's political wing, stressing the EU's expectations for their constructive role in reducing tensions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz reacted to Nasrallah's statements, warning of the broader implications: "Nasrallah threatens to attack Cyprus. Iranian missiles and extremist Islamic terrorism pose threats to European countries and the entire free world. We must act now to curb Iran before it's too late."
