Germany and Italy reject push by EU allies to end association deal with Israel
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Several EU member states, including Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland, have called for suspending the bloc’s cooperation agreement with Israel due to concerns over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.
- Germany and Italy opposed the suspension, advocating for continued critical and constructive dialogue with Israel, and no immediate decision was made at the EU foreign ministers' meeting.
- Belgium and Ireland pushed for action to protect EU values, with Belgium suggesting a partial suspension of the agreement might be more feasible than a full suspension, which requires unanimity among all 27 member states.
- France and Sweden renewed calls to halt imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law, amid ongoing tensions and recent Israeli ground operations in Lebanon.
- Israel maintains that its military actions comply with international law and that it seeks to minimize civilian casualties, blaming terrorist groups for using civilians as human shields in conflict zones.
