The European Union's foreign affairs chief was visibly frustrated earlier this week when he called for de-escalation in Lebanon and respect for a longstanding UN resolution designed to end Israel-Hezbollah hostilities.

"[It] was adopted in 2006. My God, almost 20 years ago! Almost 20 years ago. I'm still asking for the implementation," Josep Borrell told journalists.

"We are almost in a full-fledged war. We are seeing more military strikes, more damage, more collateral damage, more victims," he said. "Civilians in Lebanon are paying an intolerable, unacceptable price."

Borrell was speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York — and on the sidelines is precisely where the European Union seems to have remained throughout nearly a year of conflict in Gaza and along the Israel-Lebanon border: Trying and failing to shift the dial diplomatically.

Now, the bloc is making fresh efforts to cool tensions. On Thursday, it released a joint statement with Japan, the UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia and others calling for a 21-day cross-border ceasefire.

But officials harbor few illusions about the impact Europe can have as Israel ramps up attacks against Hezbollah in large swathes of Lebanon, and the militant group continues to fire into Israel.

On paper, the EU could hold some sway with the Israeli government. While Israel is only 25th on the bloc's list of trading partners, the EU is number one for Israel. According to the European Commission, 31.9% of Israel's imports........

© Deutsche Welle