Meloni to El-Sisi: Hezbollah made wrong choices, Israeli response exceeded self-defense

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the recent US-Iran ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israeli attacks on Lebanon during a phone conversation. Meloni stated that Hezbollah made wrong choices, and the Israeli response has exceeded the bounds of legitimate self-defense. She expressed Italy's anticipation for direct negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon. Both leaders emphasized the importance of preserving stability in the Middle East. The discussion occurred after Israel launched intensified airstrikes on Lebanon, following a US-Iran ceasefire that ended over five weeks of war. Iran and Pakistan consider the situation in Lebanon part of the truce, while the US and Israel believe it is outside the agreement. Hezbollah has resumed missile attacks on Israel in response to the Israeli strikes.