Von der Leyen under growing pressure to take tougher line with Israel
15 hours ago
- #Gaza crisis
- #EU-Israel relations
- #Ursula von der Leyen
- Ursula von der Leyen faces pressure from MEPs to take a tougher stance on Israel over Gaza.
- The EU has identified human rights violations by Israel but lacks unity among member states for sanctions.
- A partial suspension of Israel's participation in the EU's Horizon research program was proposed but not enacted.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas notes divisions among member states on how to influence Israel's government.
- Humanitarian aid to Gaza has increased since July, but critics argue it's insufficient.
- MEPs criticize von der Leyen's silence and call for stronger EU leadership on Gaza.
- A draft resolution proposes suspending parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement and imposing sanctions on violent settlers.
- Critics argue the EU's repeated support for a two-state solution is disconnected from Israel's actions.
- Von der Leyen's proactive stance on Ukraine is contrasted with her approach to Gaza.
- 116 former MEPs, including Josep Borrell, urge the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement.