Brekelmans expects the leading group in EU who wants steps against Israel
How many countries such a leading group want to form is still unclear. “We will not only have to view that today, but also in the coming period,” said the outgoing minister.
He is not hopeful that the EU ministers will come to a joint position on actions against Israel. The countries are too divided for that. According to him, it is a debate that “polarizes”. He hopes “that countries will at least come closer together” during the meeting.
EU-Buitenland chef Kaja Kallas also said he was “not very optimistic” that the 27 ministers agree on punitive measures against Israel. Brekelmans agrees. “She is the one who has the best overview of all positions.”
Nevertheless, Brekelmans sees that countries adjust their position. That is due to the announcement of the construction of a new settlement (E1) at Jerusalem, he said. This makes a Palestinian state virtually impossible. “A second is that in Gaza the situation becomes more poignant every day.”
On Wednesday, Brekelmans wrote a letter to Kallas together with his Swedish colleague in which it is asked to increase the pressure on Israel. They want the trading part of the partnership that the EU has with Israel is suspended and two extremist Israeli ministers come to the sanction list. Furthermore, there must be extra steps against violent settlers and they support the proposal of the European Commission not to allow Israel to no longer allow the EU’s largest research and innovation program (Horizon). They also want more measures against Hamas.
Even if the EU member states come to measures, the influence on Israel will not be that great, the minister thinks. “Ultimately, it will not be decisive and it will make a limited contribution. We must be realistic about that, but a limited contribution is always better than nothing.”