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A European Boycott of Israel?

(Middle East Quarterly) Steven J. Rosen - In July 2012, the EU took unprecedented measures to enhance its relations with Israel in sixty trade and diplomatic policy areas, including increased access to its single market, closer cooperation on transport and energy, and enhanced ties with nine EU agencies. However, in July 2013, the EU promulgated a new directive that could encourage a boycott of Israeli banks operating in Jewish communities in east Jerusalem and anywhere beyond the pre-1967 lines. Tzipi Livni, Israel's chief peace negotiator, said, "True, [the European boycott] starts with settlement [goods], but their problem is with Israel, which is seen as a colonialist country. Therefore, it won't stop at the settlements, but [will spread] to all of Israel." Israel is a very good customer for European products: In 2012, it imported 46% more from the EU than it exported. Enhanced trade between Israel and the EU is creating more jobs in Europe than in Israel. The writer, who served as foreign policy director of AIPAC, is now director of the Washington Project of the Middle East Forum.
2014-02-14 00:00:00
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