The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, agreed on Thursday 11 June, on the need for “close coordination” on issues of stability and peace in the Middle East, according to the European External Action Service.
According to the EEAS, in their telephone conversation, the High Representative and the Minister discussed EU-Israel cooperation to promote stability and peace in the region and recent regional developments and challenges, such as nuclear non-proliferation.
While Mr Borrell recalled the importance of the Iranian nuclear deal for regional security, Mr Gantz, for his part, stressed on Twitter that the EU should be “actively working to block Iran’s dangerous nuclear armament, through applying massive pressure and extending the embargo on arms supply to the regime”. He added that his country would do everything necessary to protect Israel’s security.
A security to which the EU has a steadfast commitment, according to Mr Borrell, who recalled the EU's firm condemnation of any questioning of the existence of the Jewish State (see EUROPE 12492/33).
He also explained the EU's readiness to work towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations in the framework of the peace process, underlining European concerns about a possible Israeli annexation of part of the West Bank (see EUROPE 12488/12). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)