The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, congratulated the new Israeli Government on Monday 18 May, saying he was ready to “engage immediately” with it and the relevant stakeholders in the Middle East peace process.
“The EU is willing to support and facilitate resumed meaningful negotiations between the two parties, to resolve all final status issues and achieve a just and lasting peace”, Borrell advised in a statement. The High Representative therefore noted with “grave concern” the provision, which is to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for approval, concerning the annexation of part of the West Bank. “We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral decision that would lead to the annexation of any occupied Palestinian territory and would be, as such, contrary to International Law”, the High Representative reiterated.
Mr Borrell warned that the EU and its Member States would not recognise any changes to the 1967 borders unless the Israelis and Palestinians agreed. “The two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital for both States, is the only way to ensure sustainable peace and stability in the region”, he said.
At a meeting by videoconference on 15 May, EU Foreign Ministers discussed this possible annexation (see EUROPE 12488/12). At the end of the discussion, Mr Borrell announced that the Europeans would use all their diplomatic means to prevent unilateral action by the Jewish State.
However, while many Member States were in favour of the European External Action Service preparing, as of now, a document containing options on actions that could be taken in the event of an Israeli decision, Hungary was opposed to this, according to a European source.
Beyond the issue of the peace process, Mr Borrell said in his statement that Europeans looked forward to continuing to work with the government “in a constructive and comprehensive way, in the spirit of the longstanding friendship that binds us to Israel, in order to develop our relationship in all areas”, including Covid-19, education, research and development and any other area of mutual interest. He described Israel as a “key partner” of the EU.
According to the Luxembourg Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, this statement by the High Representative was supported by 25 Member States, “the result of an initiative” taken by Luxembourg and Ireland. He said that due to opposition from two Member States - Hungary and Austria, according to a European source - this “balanced” declaration could not be adopted as a 27-Member declaration, which he “deeply regretted”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)