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Relations between Israel and the European Union (EU) have always been marked by a complex combination of cooperation and tensions. In recent years, the Israeli-Palestinian issue has exacerbated divisions, particularly regarding Israeli policy in Gaza. The issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant has not only intensified these tensions, but also caused the European Union to reassess its relations with Israel. Faced with this diplomatic crisis, some European countries are pressing Israel to respond to accusations of war crimes, while others continue to support its right to defend itself against Hamas attacks.
The European Union's response: Declining support?
The EU, which has always supported Israel on many fronts, today finds itself at a diplomatic crossroads. On the one hand, several of its member states, such as Poland and the Hungarycontinue to demonstrate unconditional support for Israel, particularly on the question of its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. On the other hand, countries like Francel’Germany and the The Netherlands take a more critical stance, particularly after the issuance of ICC warrants.
Yedioth Ahronoth reports that France, although it has always been a key partner of Israel, has expressed concerns about the scale of Israeli strikes in Gaza and the civilian casualties they are causing. The president Emmanuel Macron publicly called on Israel to limit civilian casualties and respect international law, while asserting that France would continue to support Israel's right to defend itself. However, he also stressed the importance of finding a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron and other European leaders have also reaffirmed their support for the Palestinians, with increasing emphasis on the need for an independent investigation into Israeli actions.
A growing division within the EU
Although the EU's official position is to maintain a balance between support for Israel and recognition of Palestinian rights, the ICC's mandates have exposed internal fractures. Some EU member states are beginning to support tougher measures, including targeted economic sanctions against Israel. These proposals focus particularly on products from occupied territoriesparticularly those of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Belgiumfor example, has already taken steps to ban the import of certain settlement products, a move that was welcomed by human rights groups but caused tensions with Israel.
L’Germany has also expressed growing concerns, despite historically being one of Israel's closest allies. According to Yedioth HaifaGermany is increasingly reluctant to give Israel unconditional support due to alleged human rights violations in Gaza. However, the German government continues to emphasize the importance of preserving the relationship with Israel while calling for de-escalation and a lasting political solution.
The ICC arrest warrants have highlighted this tension, as some European countries call for tougher sanctions against Israel, particularly over alleged violations of international law. However, Israel has rejected these accusations as politically motivated, and its stance against these criticisms has become increasingly defensive, notably through its efforts to mobilize support from the United States and other non-European allies.
Calls for justice and an independent investigation
The ICC arrest warrants have also reignited the debate on international justice and the role of the International Criminal Court. While some EU member states support the ICC's right to investigate Israeli actions, others, such as the United Kingdomhave questioned the impartiality of the Court, pointing out that the ICC is often perceived as influenced by political considerations. This position has been reinforced by the Israeli diplomatic campaign which attempts to disqualify the ICC mandates, calling them acts of “judicialization of international politics”.
In response to EU criticism, Israel has launched several diplomatic initiatives to counter the impact of these mandates. Gideon Sa'arIsrael's foreign minister, denounced what he considers unfair treatment by the ICC and stressed that Israeli actions in Gaza were legal, within the framework of its right to self-defense. Sa'ar also strengthened ties with European allies who continue to support Israel, such as Italyto prevent sanctions or legal actions from the EU.
The rise of calls for a boycott in Europe
Another dimension of this diplomatic crisis lies in the increase in calls to boycott Israel across Europe. THE pro-Palestinian groups and the Human rights NGO are actively campaigning for economic, cultural and sporting boycotts against Israel, and these calls are starting to resonate more widely in parts of Europe. Yedioth Tel Aviv indicates that BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) campaigns are strengthening in countries like the France and the United Kingdomand that they begin to influence businesses and cultural organizations.
This phenomenon could potentially harm Israel's image in European countries, particularly in the areas of culture and tourism. As a result, Israeli businesses and cultural industries may face increased pressure to distance themselves from Israeli practices in the West Bank and occupied territories, although the Israeli government continues to defend its right to exercise sovereignty over these territories.
Towards a new era of sanctions and diplomatic pressure?
As ICC mandates gain traction, Israel's diplomatic landscape risks redefining itself. Israel will need to carefully navigate the need to maintain its strategic alliances with countries like the United Stateswhich continue to support Israel in its rights to self-defense, and increasing pressure from the EU to change its military practices and policies in the West Bank. Israel has always been a key player in the Middle East, but these new diplomatic pressures could force the country to reassess its international position and adjust its defense strategies, while seeking to avoid isolation.
The coming years could see a hardening of relations between Israel and some European countries, and calls for stronger sanctions or legal action against Israel are expected to continue to grow within the EU. However, Israel will also continue to seek to strengthen its relations with non-European countries, notably in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, where it finds growing support against European criticism.
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