Brussels urges Israel to maintain dialogue with all European interlocutors

The European Commission has called on Israel to sustain dialogue with all its European interlocutors, urging against any further diplomatic isolation. This appeal comes after Israel suspended all contact with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, in June.

During a debate in the European Parliament concerning the EU's role in Gaza's reconstruction, Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stressed the necessity of ongoing, open, and frank communication. "We have to talk with all parties, and it is important that they talk with all European interlocutors," Šuica stated, highlighting that both Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar had previously agreed on the importance of EU-Israel relations.

Israel's decision to cut ties with Kallas followed her remarks comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to apartheid. Šuica, who visited Israel shortly after the diplomatic freeze, defended the EU's engagement, stating that maintaining dialogue with Israel and supporting a reformed Palestinian Authority are not mutually exclusive. She noted some positive steps from the Israeli side and conveyed the EU's support for a viable Palestinian state, urging the removal of obstacles to the Gaza peace plan.

However, some Members of the European Parliament expressed criticism. Greek Social Democrat MEP Yannis Maniatis lamented Šuica's participation in a US-led Gaza Peace Board and her recent trip to Israel. He argued that Šuica was not sufficiently firm with the Netanyahu government, especially given the attack on Kallas. Maniatis contended that silence in the face of such an institutional attack is not neutrality but surrender. Šuica, however, maintained that diplomatic efforts are yielding concrete results despite the critical situation.

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Cuando alguien ataca a nuestra representante institucional, el silencio no es neutralidad y equivale a rendirse.