International security researcher
As the conflict in the Middle East lingers on and the war between Israel and Palestine persists, the tensions between Israel and Europe have become a significant issue that warrants examination. This raises the question: Why do these two sides have conflicting interests? The conflict between Israel and Europe in international relations stems from complex and intertwined issues, each contributing to broader tensions. These points of contention highlight the challenges in aligning the differing views and interests of the two sides.
Israel-Palestine conflict
The primary point of contention is the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, Europe has supported a two-state solution and has repeatedly criticized Israeli policies that appear to obstruct the peace process. European countries have consistently condemned Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, viewing them as illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace. The European Union (EU) has sometimes taken measures to address this issue. In 2016, the EU issued a statement emphasizing that “all Israeli settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory, including East al-Quds, are illegal under international law and constitute a serious threat to the two-state solution.”
As the conflict in the Middle East lingers on and the war between Israel and Palestine persists, the tensions between Israel and Europe have become a significant issue that warrants examination. This raises the question: Why do these two sides have conflicting interests? The conflict between Israel and Europe in international relations stems from complex and intertwined issues, each contributing to broader tensions. These points of contention highlight the challenges in aligning the differing views and interests of the two sides.
Israel-Palestine conflict
The primary point of contention is the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, Europe has supported a two-state solution and has repeatedly criticized Israeli policies that appear to obstruct the peace process. European countries have consistently condemned Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, viewing them as illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace. The European Union (EU) has sometimes taken measures to address this issue. In 2016, the EU issued a statement emphasizing that “all Israeli settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory, including East al-Quds, are illegal under international law and constitute a serious threat to the two-state solution.”
In separate statements in November 2023, Germany and France condemned Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, stressing that these actions seriously undermine efforts to resolve the conflict and achieve a two-state solution. European countries are often concerned about the scale and impact of Israel’s military operations in besieged Gaza Strip and the West Bank. European criticism typically focuses on civilian casualties and humanitarian issues, calling for proportionality and caution. During the Gaza war in 2021, the EU formally urged Israel to exercise greater caution in its military offensives in Gaza and to respect international law to prevent civilian casualties. European countries generally support Palestinian independence and push for international recognition of Palestine, which Israel opposes. This difference affects diplomatic relations and the EU’s policies towards the Middle East.
Human rights and international law
European countries repeatedly emphasize the importance of human rights and international law and criticize actions they believe violate these principles. European governments and organizations often express concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, accusing Israel of disproportionate responses that exacerbate civilian suffering. Following the October 7, 2023 retaliatory attack by Palestinians, France criticized the scale and intensity of Israel’s military response in Gaza, expressing concern over civilian casualties. After Israeli airstrikes in Gaza led to widespread civilian deaths, French officials criticized Israel’s conduct and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, urging measures to reduce civilian casualties. Several other European countries, including Ireland and Belgium, also expressed concern over the scale of Israel’s aggression and civilian casualties in Gaza. They called on Israel to observe proportionality in its military responses and respect international humanitarian law. In November 2023, Sweden and Norway also voiced their concerns about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, urging Israel to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. These countries also called for an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza and the provision of access to humanitarian aid. Europe typically supports international institutions and resolutions that criticize Israeli policies. This includes backing the United Nations and various human rights organizations that frequently issue reports and resolutions condemning specific Israeli actions.
Diplomatic relations and EU policies
Despite political differences, Israel and Europe have significant economic relations, including trade agreements and scientific cooperation. However, tensions can affect these relations, and there are sometimes discussions about limiting collaboration in response to specific policies or actions. In 2015, the EU decided that products produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank must be labeled so that European consumers can identify them. This move was interpreted as a form of soft sanctions against Israel’s settlement policies. After the October 7, some European countries sought to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel, with some even proposing economic sanctions. Back then, members of the European Parliament called on the EU to exert greater diplomatic pressure on Israel to ensure it adheres to international law. Some countries, like Spain, suggested that sanctions should be imposed on Israel if it continues the violation of human rights.
The conflicts between Israel and Europe are multifaceted, and the issues mentioned above illustrate the broad disagreements that have intensified between Israel and European countries, especially following the October 7, 2023 attack. These conflicts are evident not only at the political and diplomatic levels but also in public opinion and civil society. These tensions are unlikely to subside as long as Israel continues its actions, which are perceived as contrary to humanitarian
principles.
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