Israel Loses Key Allies in Europe: EU Sanctions Loom
It has been a bad week for Israel in Europe. The country has lost its most loyal regional ally after Viktor Orban was ousted from power in Hungary, while Italy has suspended a key defense agreement. The changes will likely pave the way for long-delayed sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and increase pressure on the EU to reconsider its relationship with Israel due to the wars in Gaza and the wider region, The Guardian reports.
TL;DR
- Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been ousted, removing a key ally for Israel in Europe.
- Italy has suspended a key defense agreement with Israel, signaling a shift in its stance.
- These changes may pave the way for EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers on the West Bank.
- Increased pressure on the EU to reconsider its relationship with Israel due to the wars in Gaza and the region.
- Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have called for a debate on Israel's human rights obligations under the EU Association Agreement.
- A public petition with over a million signatures calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
- The suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement requires support from a qualified majority of EU member states.
- Former EU officials, including Josep Borrell, have called for the suspension of the Association Agreement.
- Italy's suspension of a defense memorandum is seen as a symbolic warning to Israel.
- Many Europeans view the conflict as a matter of fundamental European values and international law.
- The Israeli ambassador to Germany condemned an Israeli minister's remarks about the Nazi regime, highlighting diplomatic tensions.
- Despite diplomatic shifts, Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust means it is unlikely to lead an anti-Israel charge.
- A significant portion of Israelis view the EU negatively, according to a recent poll.