EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has proposed suspending political talks with Israel, citing alleged human rights abuses and breaches of international law in Gaza. The proposal, which would need unanimous support from EU member states, is expected to be blocked, with many countries signaling opposition.
Borrell raised the suspension idea during an ambassadorial meeting, planning to officially present it at next week’s foreign ministers’ gathering in Brussels. The suggestion was met with surprise and pushback, notably from Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece.
The objective of Borrell’s proposal may go beyond mere suspension; insiders suggest he aims to prompt member states to clarify their positions on Israel’s actions in Gaza. An EU official described it as a political signal to indicate concerns over the EU-Israel relationship and to encourage Israel to explain its actions in Gaza. Borrell’s approach leans on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which includes binding clauses on human rights compliance.
This is not the first time the EU has faced division on Israel. Earlier in the year, Spain and Ireland called for a review of EU-Israel relations due to humanitarian issues in Gaza, but this was largely ignored by the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen. The debate has intensified with recent reports of high casualties in Gaza and limitations on humanitarian aid delivery, drawing widespread criticism of Israel’s military operations in the region.