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Israel needs Europe's support more than many Israelis realize - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • Many Israelis hold a negative view of Europe, seeing it as weak and hostile, but this perception overlooks Israel's significant dependence on the continent.
  • Europe is Israel's largest trading partner and a crucial hub for research, innovation, and investment, despite declining European public opinion following the Israel-Hamas War.
  • Criticism from European officials and the public, citing perceived "collective punishment" and "brutality" in Gaza, is causing strain, with some advocating for suspending Israel's Association Agreement with the EU.

Despite a common Israeli narrative portraying Europe as "finished", aging, divided, and hostile, the reality is that Israel depends on Europe more than any other global actor besides the United States. Europe serves as Israel's largest trading partner and is central to its research, innovation, and investment landscape, hosting vital academic institutions.

You are losing all of us. I will do everything I can to promote the suspension of Israel’s Association Agreement with the European Union. Your government is interested only in war and expansion. I know you have enemies, but you’ve become almost as bad as they are. The level of brutality is simply unacceptable.

— European ambassadorExpressing strong criticism of Israel's actions and their impact on EU relations.

However, European public opinion toward Israel has significantly deteriorated, particularly following the Israel-Hamas War. A recent visit to several European countries revealed widespread shock over the scale of casualties and criticism of Israel's conduct. "You are losing all of us. I will do everything I can to promote the suspension of Israel’s Association Agreement with the European Union," one European ambassador told the author, citing perceived "collective punishment" and "brutality."

They’re not minor ministers, are they?

— European ambassadorReferring to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

This criticism, even from traditionally supportive circles, highlights a growing disconnect. While acknowledging Israel's enemies, critics argue that its actions have become "almost as bad as they are." The level of perceived brutality is deemed unacceptable, with Israeli ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich frequently quoted as examples of a government perceived as solely interested in "war and expansion."

unacceptable

— Emmanuel MacronCondemning Israel's conduct in Gaza.

Data supports this shift, with a study showing negative EU statements on Israel rising from 29% before October 7 to 46% afterward, while positive statements fell to 8%. Even leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron have condemned Israel's conduct as "unacceptable" and "shameful," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called restrictions on humanitarian aid "completely wrong." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that some Israeli actions "can no longer be justified." Campaigns to boycott products from Israeli settlements are also gaining momentum across Europe.

completely wrong

— Keir StarmerDescribing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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