EU calls on Israel and Hezbollah to show restraint in 'moment of truth' for Lebanon

The European Union's foreign ministers have called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Hezbollah and Israel amid reports Israel has launched small raids into Lebanon ahead of an imminent ground invasion.

"The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed and any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation and has to be avoided," the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement following emergency talks between the bloc's foreign ministers.

"We are very much concerned about the risk of this further escalation of the conflict across the region, and urge all parties in the region to show restraint in the interest of de-escalation."

"Arms should now be silent and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all," Borrell added.

Speaking in Lebanon earlier on Monday, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to “refrain from any ground incursion and to stop firing,” calling on Hezbollah also to do the same.

The EU ministerial meeting, which took place over video call, was informal, meaning no decisions were taken regarding the bloc's response to the escalation of hostilities. Deep divisions between EU countries’ positions on the conflict engulfing the Middle East since the war in Gaza broke out last October have weakened the bloc’s diplomatic clout in the region.

The EU's caution came just hours after Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said the "next phase" of Israel's war against Hezbollah would “begin soon,” and briefed troops stationed near the Lebanese border in northern Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his security cabinet later on Monday.

Overnight on Sunday, Israeli strikes targeted the heart of the Lebanese capital of