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EU Diplomats Predict Low-Key Reaction to Application of Israeli Law in Parts of West Bank
(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - If Israel proceeds with its plan to apply Israeli law to the Jordan Valley and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, the European Union will take punitive measures of relatively little economic significance, European diplomats have said. According to the European envoys, the internal working guidelines of EU institutions; the historical relationship between Israel and Germany, as well as other EU member nations; and Europe's interest in maintaining good relations with Israel will ultimately prevent the EU from responding harshly. At a meeting of EU foreign ministers three weeks ago, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell tried to publish a joint statement warning Israel against applying Israel law, but Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria blocked the move. "Every major decision about European foreign policy requires consensus of all 27 member nations," one diplomat observed. "Because of the serious disagreements...there will not be any agreement about sanctions." The envoys also said they did not expect the EU to cancel its partnership with Israel on the Horizon 2027 research initiative because Israel's research and development capabilities were "too good" to give up. Ultimately, the diplomats assessed, Europe's response will be largely verbal and symbolic.