On 27 November, several MEPs—representing the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, and GUE/NGL groups—called on the EU to help find a solution in the Middle East and not let the United States be responsible for doing it.
“It seems that [US President Donald] Trump, instead of promoting the ‘deal of the century’, has decided to risk escalating the conflict. He must understand that the Middle East is not a playground for foreign policy”, Dutch MEP Kati Piri said with concern on behalf of the S&D.
Since Mr Trump came to power, the United States has recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (see EUROPE 11926/5), has moved their embassy there (see EUROPE 11704/3), has suspended their financial support to UNRWA (see EUROPE 12087/13), and no longer recognises the settlements as contrary to international law (see EUROPE 12372/21).
“We know that the United States is not, and will never be, a partner that we can rely on as long as this government is in place”, said Grace O’Sullivan (Greens/EFA, Ireland), calling on the EU to make the necessary efforts for a two-state solution and to act as a mediator.
According to Antonio Lopez-Isturiz White (EPP, Spain), the EU must take the lead. “I always feel like we talk a little after the United States. We react to what they say or do”, he decried before proposing: “Let’s all try to contribute to a stable solution for this region.”
“It takes courage to go against Trump and [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu when they fly in the face of international laws”, added Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium).
In response, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, who will leave office on 30 November, called on MEPs to call for the EU Council and the Commission to break the stalemate in Israel and Palestine and to ensure that international law is applied to the settlement. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)