France, Spain's anti-Israel bias pushes Israel-Europe relations to new low

The relationship between Israel and Europe is currently at a nadir, marked by escalating distrust and diplomatic friction. Recent reports indicate that Israel has rebuffed France's attempts to mediate talks with Lebanon, citing the nation's perceived lack of neutrality. This refusal underscores a deep-seated skepticism towards European involvement in sensitive regional negotiations, suggesting that Israel views certain European nations as inherently biased against it.

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In terms of relations with the State of Israel, Israel still has a lot of credit in its contribution to the EU, especially in terms of innovation, especially in its security and defense industry, which Europe needs.

Adding to the already strained ties, an incident last week involving Israeli warning shots fired towards a UN convoy carrying Spanish and Italian peacekeepers has further inflamed tensions. Such events, coupled with consistent criticism from various European capitals regarding Israel's conduct in Gaza and its broader policies, have created a climate of significant animosity.

Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu, director of the Israel-Europe Relations Program at the Mitvim Institute, highlights that while Israel's contributions to the EU, particularly in innovation and security, have historically been valued, the current Israeli government's policies have severely damaged bilateral relations. The formation of Israel's most right-wing coalition government, contentious judicial reforms, and statements regarding West Bank annexation have been major points of contention.

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However, she added that “the relations with the current Israeli government are clearly ruined.”

The deterioration accelerated following the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, drawing sharp criticism from the EU and its member states. Proposals to suspend Israel's access to EU research and innovation funding, though currently frozen, remain a potent threat. The recent Knesset passage of a law expanding the death penalty for terrorism further soured relations, drawing immediate criticism from the EU. With Israeli general elections scheduled for October, it appears the EU may be adopting a wait-and-see approach, but the current deadlock suggests a long road to repairing these fractured ties.

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Israel would like to see this threat removed and the EU refuses to do so for its own political reasons.