EU-Israel Meeting Exposes Rifts Over Ukraine, West Bank Policies

Brussels – A recent EU-Israel Association Council meeting in Brussels laid bare significant disagreements concerning a US resolution on Ukraine, developments in the West Bank, and the rights of Palestinians.Gideon saar, Israel’s foreign minister, voiced strong criticism of European Union member states for their stance on the US resolution at the United Nations, pointing out its failure to explicitly mention or condemn Russia’s aggression in invading Ukraine. this meeting, the first of its kind since 2022, was characterized by what officials described as “candid” exchanges, highlighting underlying tensions despite initial cordial greetings.

Disagreement Over US Resolution on Ukraine

At the heart of the discord was Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar’s, sharp critique of the EU’s perceived lack of support for a US resolution at the UN.According to reports, this resolution notably omitted any condemnation of russia’s actions in Ukraine, a point of contention for Israel. Saar’s remarks underscored a clear divergence in perspectives on international diplomacy and the appropriate approach to the ongoing conflict.

The US resolution, which reportedly withdrew any direct criticism of Russia, “was seen as a stunning reversal of decades of US policy at the UN, overturning years of the US aligning itself with its European allies when it came to Russia and ukraine.” This shift in US policy has seemingly created a rift, with Israel openly expressing its discontent over the EU’s response.

Concerns Over West Bank developments

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, acknowledged the candid nature of the discussions, stating the EU side was “closely watching developments, and [we] cannot hide our concern when it comes to the West bank.” This statement reflects the EU’s ongoing scrutiny of Israeli policies and actions in the region, particularly concerning Palestinian rights and the future of the West Bank.

Saar referenced former US President Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Palestinians, stating it involved clearing Palestinians out of Gaza and turning the enclave into a “Riviera.”

According to one senior source, “Mr Saar said there was no issue if people wished to leave a location and another country was prepared to accept them.” He elaborated on his remarks, stating: A free choice of every person should be respected, and when we are talking about immigration, when we are speaking about [the] free choice of the individual, and conversely, a state which is ready to accept this individual, it is indeed the most moral and humane thing to do.

kallas reportedly countered that Palestinians also have a right, “and that was the right to remain at home.” This exchange highlights the essential disagreement on the issue of displacement and the rights of Palestinians within the context of international law.

EU Support for the ICC and International Law

The meeting also addressed the International Criminal court (ICC) and its role in international justice. When asked if it was appropriate for the new German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to welcome Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, given the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him, Ms. Kallas said that the EU “supports the ICC and [the] neutrality and functioning of the ICC.”

She further emphasized that all EU member states are signatories to the Rome Statute, the foundation of the ICC, adding that compliance with ICC warrants is a matter for individual member states, underscoring the EU’s commitment to international legal frameworks.

EU Unity on Two-State Solution and UNRWA

Despite the tensions, Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighted the EU’s unified stance on key issues. He noted that preparatory work ahead of the Association council had resulted in a joint statement demonstrating EU unity in supporting the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNRWA) and a two-state solution, reaffirming the EU’s long-standing policy objectives in the region.

I take heart from the fact that we now have a written document unanimously agreed by all European Union member states that commits to a two-state solution, that commits to UNRWA, commits to respect for international law, commits and talks about the importance of protecting children during war, Harris told reporters.

Harris also addressed concerns about the potential impact of Mr. Trump’s plans on the region, stating: the Israeli government could not have left the meeting with any clearer impression than that the European Union is resolute in its view that you cannot have the involuntary displacement of people, and that Palestinian people have every right to live in their homeland in peace and security, just as Israeli people have every right to live in peace and security as well.

Moreover, Harris noted that Irish officials had worked to ensure the EU position paper clearly distinguished between goods from Israel and those from the Occupied Territories, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to international law and its consistent submission.

the Irish team worked very hard at a European level, to make sure that the document published today by the EU very clearly recognizes the difference between the State of Israel and the illegally occupied territories, Harris said.

He added, It ensures that we will continue to engage at EU level about making sure human rights clauses in association agreements aren’t just there to pad out an agreement, but actually mean something. And certainly we would have conveyed that today, because the EU document is very clear that the relationship in the association agreement with Israel is grounded in respect for international law and human rights.

Calls for a Tougher Stance

Prior to the meeting, rights groups had urged the EU to adopt a firmer stance on Israel, citing alleged abuses. Human Rights Watch emphasized that it should not be “business as usual,” reflecting a growing sentiment among advocacy organizations.

The only purpose of this Association Council meeting should be to call out those crimes and to announce long overdue measures in response, the group stated.

The International Committee of the Red Cross also expressed its concern over the impact of Israeli military operations in the West Bank, noting that people are struggling to access basic necessities, highlighting the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict.

UN chief António Guterres voiced alarm at rising violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and calls for annexation, stating, I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation.

Guterres also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza,calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities,the release of hostages,and progress towards a two-state solution,underscoring the interconnectedness of various aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Conclusion

The EU-Israel Association Council meeting in Brussels underscored the complex and often strained relationship between the two entities. While both sides affirmed their commitment to dialog and cooperation, notable disagreements persist on issues ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to the rights of Palestinians and the future of the west Bank. The EU’s emphasis on international law and human rights, and also its support for a two-state solution, remains a key point of contention, highlighting the challenges in navigating this multifaceted partnership and achieving lasting peace in the region.