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EU states will address differences between themselves on how to respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposals to annex large parts of the West Bank, a move that risks an explosive escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The annexation plan is included in the coalition agreement agreed between Netanyahu and his former rival Benny Gantz, which has secured Israel’s longest-serving prime minister a fifth term. The new government will be sworn in this week.
Diplomats say France, backed by Belgium, Ireland and Luxembourg, urges member states to threaten punitive economic measures if Israel extends sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the West Bank, which has been occupied by the Israeli army. since a 1967 war.
EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell told reporters that the matter would be “the most important topic on the agenda” when foreign ministers meet by video conference on Friday.
“You know that everything in foreign policy requires unanimity, especially sanctions,” said Borrell. “So, for the moment, we are far from discussing the sanctions. But it is important for me, for the European Union, for foreign policy, to know what is the position of the Member States regarding respect for international law. “
Netanyahu was emboldened by intransigent support and annexed a campaign promise from the administration of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who announced in January a Middle East peace plan that recognized Israeli settlements and sovereignty over the Jordan Valley.
Commentators say Netanyahu may still back down on his plans, but the prime minister, who heads the right-wing Likud party, said cabinet discussions will begin on the issue in July.
This has sparked outrage from Palestinians and raised fears of a major escalation in the long-standing conflict.
Business partner
The EU is influential as Israel’s top trading partner: Israel enjoys trade preferences with the world’s largest trading bloc, as well as being part of its multimillion-dollar Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.
But its members were divided on how to respond the last time the issue was discussed, with Israel’s strongest allies, such as Hungary and the Czech Republic, blocking proposals for the bloc to take a tougher line.
However, the prospect of annexation has alarmed even member states that are generally slow to react on the issue.
“This is a very divisive issue within the council, and different member states have different positions,” said Borrell.
“We noticed it when we discussed it a couple of months ago, and I guess this division is still there. It will be a very interesting foreign affairs council. [on Friday]”A commission spokesperson said.” Member states are in the driver’s seat and decide what sanctions are appropriate. “
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