The EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Susanna Terstal, warned, on Monday 6 July, that an Israeli annexation would have consequences for relations with the EU, without giving further details, despite the insistence of MEPs on the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The EU is therefore working “hard” by multiplying contacts and making statements to prevent this annexation. Words that many MEPs have found insufficient. “We are trying to protect ourselves (from the annexation) through declarations; we are sending public, private messages to key stakeholders”, Terstal said. And, according to the Special Representative, while the EU's statements are not enough alone, their value should not be underestimated, especially since a large part of the international community is opposed to this annexation and that this “will have an impact on the measures taken by Israel”, Terstal said.
She also warned of the security consequences of such an annexation, which could benefit hardliners Hezbollah and Hamas. “No matter what happens, we must not yield to violence”, she warned.
Furthermore, according to the EU representative, the EU should have a role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The EU is the main trading partner and has a very strong relationship with Israel and is the main donor to the Palestinians. It would be strange not to have a role to play”, she added. According to Ms Terstal, the EU therefore has a “plan” based on European parameters, i.e. internationally recognised parameters.
Asked about an alternative to the two-State solution, Ms Terstal said it was the best guarantee for lasting peace. “In my opinion, there is only one alternative: a State with equal rights for all”, she said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)