The European Union and Israel held their first formal discussions since the Gaza conflict escalated, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. This meeting, held in Brussels, was anticipated to be different from previous sessions due to the mounting tension surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza, actions that have drawn widespread international criticism and legal scrutiny.
The EU, led by member states Spain and Ireland, had previously called for a reassessment of the EU-Israel association agreement, citing Israel’s conduct in Gaza and potential violations of international law, including allegations of war crimes. However, according to EU diplomats, the meeting was not intended to serve as a tribunal, nor was the discussion of revising the association agreement on the agenda. “The goal is to keep the dialogue open, not to hold Israel accountable in this forum,” one senior diplomat clarified before the talks.
Despite this, Israel arrived at the meeting with a strong stance, defending its actions in Gaza and emphasizing the existential threats it faces. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the talks as a sign of a “desire to renew a normal relationship,” while acknowledging the differences between the two sides. “This does not mean there aren’t disagreements, but we need to know how to manage them,” Saar stated in a press briefing.
The EU, for its part, delivered a cautious message, issuing a statement that balanced criticism with support. It condemned the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the safe return of displaced Gazans to their homes. The EU also reiterated its opposition to Israel’s settlement policies and the escalating violence in the West Bank, urging Israel to facilitate better movement and access for Palestinians and to preserve the viability of a two-state solution.
However, Israel was equally vocal in defending its position, particularly regarding its military operations in Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry highlighted the country’s efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and rejected any suggestion that its actions were unjustified, blaming Hamas for obstructing aid efforts. Saar underscored that Israel’s military actions were defensive, aimed at dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure and protecting its citizens from terrorist threats.
The talks were not without their critics. Humanitarian organizations like Oxfam and Human Rights Watch voiced concern over the EU’s approach, accusing Brussels of failing to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. “This is not diplomacy; this is complicity,” remarked Agnès Bertrand-Sanz, an expert with Oxfam. Claudio Francavilla from Human Rights Watch echoed this sentiment, demanding that the EU take a firmer stance, particularly given the International Criminal Court’s investigation into Israel’s alleged war crimes.
The ICC’s involvement in the situation has added further complexity to the EU-Israel dynamic. In 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegations of crimes against humanity, which has sparked controversy within the EU. Some member states, notably Germany, have suggested they would defy the ICC’s mandate, with Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, affirming that Netanyahu would be allowed to visit Germany without fear of arrest. This has prompted questions about the EU’s commitment to supporting the ICC’s authority.
In response to the EU’s stance, Israel continues to reject the ICC’s actions, dismissing them as biased and politically motivated. “These decisions undermine our right to protect our territory and our citizens,” Israel’s foreign ministry stated, framing the ICC’s actions as part of a broader effort to delegitimize the country.
While the formal meeting was described as “candid” by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, the underlying tensions between the two sides are clear. As the EU grapples with internal divisions over how to handle its relationship with Israel, the future of these talks remains uncertain. The EU’s balancing act between condemnation and support continues, with Israel’s actions in Gaza likely to remain a point of contention in future negotiations.
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