A secret document, exposed by an Israeli newspaper, lists various ways that the European Union plans to punish Israel if it refuses to adhere to its demands.
Israeli building in Jerusalem. (Photo: Flash90)
A secret document circulated to the European Union’s (EU) diplomats reveals that the EU has planned a long line of diplomatic sanctions against Israel following its refusal to stop construction in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria.
The secret document, exposed by Israel’s Haa’retz newspaper last week, lists various ways to punish Israel if it hinders what the EU believes should be a process towards a two-state solution.
The paper, drafted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), was distributed to diplomats who were told not to show it to Israel yet, but Israeli diplomats managed to learn of the content and forward it to the foreign ministry, the report says.
The document delineated several “red lines” which Israel must not cross. This includes building in parts of east Jerusalem and Jerusalem neighborhoods over the 1949 Armistice line. The EU apparently wants to ensure that Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, will be divided between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Israeli building in Jerusalem could hinder such an option.
Possible diplomatic punishments reportedly include marking products from Judea and Samaria in EU supermarkets, which would facilitate boycotts; limiting cooperation with Israel; limiting the free-trade agreements with Israel and recalling ambassadors.
Arutz 7 quoted a European diplomat as saying that there was much frustration within the EU over the stagnant peace process, adding, of course, that Israel was to blame for the failure.
Officials speaking to Ha’aretz revealed the document was drafted by Christian Berger of Austria, the director for Middle East of the EEAS. Berger was behind EU sanctions last July as well.
Repetitive EU Threats Towards Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with then-Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, new EU chief, at the Knesset in July. (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO/Flash90)
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, asserted during a visit in Israel at the beginning of November that the creation of a Palestinian state within five years is one of her major goals.
In October, the EU threatened Israel over its announced plans to build in Jerusalem.
“It will call once again into serious question Israel’s commitment to a negotiated solution with the Palestinians,” the EU stated. The EU could only “condemn such an ill-judged and ill-timed decision” if the construction plans went ahead, spokeswoman EU Maja Kocijancic said.
The EU warned: “We stress that the future development of relations between the EU and Israel will depend on [its] engagement towards a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.”
How You Can Help Israel and Jerusalem
Israel’s sovereignty in Jerusalem, its capital, has come under increased attack in past weeks. We need to stand together and show the world that Jerusalem is not some bargaining chip in border negotiations or a rally point for terrorists. It is a Holy City meant to provide a beacon of light to all nations under the sovereignty of Israel.
Help us to ensure that Jerusalem stays unified. Click HERE to sign The Jerusalem Declaration.
Author: United with Israel Staff