Why has Czechia vetoed EU statement for "immediate ceasefire" between Israel and Hezbollah?
Czechia has vetoed a European Union statement that urged an "immediate ceasefire" between Israel and Hezbollah and condemned the civilian casualties in Lebanon. Critics of the veto argue that it prevents the EU from issuing a unified stance on the latest developments in the Middle East. Divisions among EU member states have surfaced since Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Along with Hungary and Austria, Czechia is regarded as one of Israel's strongest supporters in the EU. In recent months, these countries have pushed to soften EU actions they viewed as overtly critical of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and Iran’s proxies in the Middle East.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský commented on why Czechia chose to veto the call for a ceasefire:
“I am sorry to say that we are witnesses of another escalation in the Middle East. And Iran’s attack against Israel has to be condemned. The reason [for vetoing the ceasefire] was because in the statement, which was drafted relatively quickly, there were calls that constrained Israel’s right to self-defense against the terrorist group, Hezbollah. This is the shortest explanation I can provide at the moment to Czech Television.”
The ceasefire proposal follows the Israeli bombing of Hezbollah in Lebanon that has displaced approximately one million people and killed more than 1,000, according to Lebanon's prime minister and health ministry.
Despite shared concerns over the escalating crisis, the internal dispute in Brussels over issuing a joint statement highlights persistent divisions among EU member states on how to address Israel – particularly after Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Diplomat and Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Petr Hladik commented on whether EU unity is important in light of further escalations in the region.
“Yesterday, when we drafted a similar proclamation that condemned Iran’s attack, an agreement was reached, with the aim that the situation does not further escalate. But in Monday’s proclamation, our conditions were not met so we could not let it pass.
“That’s mainly because we cannot forget about how everything started, which was the terrorist attack of Hamas, the massacre, after which terrorists from Hezbollah began attacking Israel. So, Czechia will not agree to a statement that puts Hezbollah and Israel at the same level.”
According to Israeli and US officials, Tehran fired some 180 to 200 rockets at Israel. This was roughly twice the number of ballistic missiles Iran used in a similar attack against Israel in April.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X on Tuesday night that Iran attacked Israel in self-defense and that the strike only targeted military infrastructure. “Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation,” Araghchi said.
In response, Israel will launch a "significant retaliation" for Tuesday's Iranian missile attack within days, Axios reported. The Israeli Army (IDF) said it would engage armored units and infantry in an operation against the Hezbollah terrorist movement in southern Lebanon. This marks Israel's first ground offensive in Lebanon since the 2006 war.
Iran, which does not recognize Israel’s existence and seeks its elimination, has long supported militant groups opposing Israel. As a result, Israel perceives Iran as a significant existential threat.
