Israel reacts angrily to EU criticism of offensive

JERUSALEM, July 13 (Reuters) Israel reacted angrily today to charges from the European Union that it was using ''disproportionate force'' in its offensive in Lebanon after Hizbollah guerrillas captured two soldiers.

''The government of Israel is greatly concerned about the disproportionate use of one-sided language by the new European Union presidency concerning the situation in Lebanon,'' said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev.

Relations between Israel and the European Union have often been strained and the Jewish state takes much more notice of US opinion.

Washington has said that Israel has a right to self-defence.

A statement from the Finnish EU presidency deplored the loss of civilian life in the offensive, in which 53 civilians have been killed, and said Israel's air and sea blockade on Lebanon could not be justified.

''Actions, which are contrary to international humanitarian law, can only aggravate the vicious circle of violence and retribution, and cannot serve anyone's legitimate security interests,'' the statement said.

The European Union also called on Hizbollah to halt attacks and release the captured soldiers.

REUTERS KD BST2327