Germany rejects proposal to suspend EU's political dialogue with Israel
German Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday rejected a proposal to suspend the EU's political dialogue with Israel. Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign policy, made the proposal earlier this week.
Borrell's proposal is intended to signal that Israel has crossed a European red line with its conduct of the war in Gaza. "The reports by independent, international agencies lead us to believe that Israel is violating human rights and international humanitarian law," a diplomatic source told Belga.
The EU and Israel maintain a regular political dialogue within the framework of the EU-Israel Association Treaty, which came into force in 2000. The treaty states that relations between the two sides are based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.
Low chance of success
Borrell's proposal will be discussed at a meeting of European foreign ministers on Monday. Diplomats point out that suspending political dialogue does not mean suspending the association treaty itself. But the proposal seems to have little chance of being adopted.
"We are always in favour of keeping the channels of dialogue open. And that also applies to Israel, of course," German Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said on Thursday. Her ministry added that political dialogue with Israel was only an opportunity to discuss respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.
"We are always in favour of keeping the channels of dialogue open. That also applies to Israel"
To get his proposal adopted, Borrell needs the unanimous agreement of the 27 EU countries. Germany's reluctance seems to make this impossible. Israel also has two loyal European allies in Hungary and the Czech Republic. However, EU sources point out that the discussion itself could be seen as an important political signal.
This proposal could be Borrell's last act as an EU official. Once the new European Commission is approved, he will be succeeded by former Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas.
PHOTO © Gregorio Borgia / POOL / AFP
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