EU’s Borrell under fire over calls to sanction Israeli ministers
Allies of Israel have been spotted in hot water over the nation’s latest operation in the West Bank, with many unable to leave Tel Aviv’s disregard for law unchecked. The latest show of disapproval came from EU’s departing foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who asked the bloc’s foreign ministers to consider imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers who have launched “unacceptable hate messages against Palestinians”, reported Anadolu and agencies on August 29th.
The Israeli ministers in question include National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whom Borrell claims have proposed “things that go clearly against international law” and are an invitation to “commit war crimes”.
EU foreign ministers had gathered for an informal meeting to discuss global security issues, including the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Borrell reaffirmed that the EU should not maintain taboos to use its toolbox “to make humanitarian law respected.”
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Borrell’s public statement triggered responses from senior Israeli politicians such as Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who posted on X, “Joseph Borrell, who transfers money to the Palestinian Authority – an organisation that pays murderers of Jews and encourages terrorism – wants to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers who are working to fight terrorism. Hypocrisy!”.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also took to X to criticise the top European diplomat, stating, “Outgoing EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell claims that the Israeli Foreign Minister is calling for the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank. This is a blatant lie, just like his previous falsehood regarding my statements about Gaza, from which he was forced to retract,”.
On August 28th, Katz called for Gaza-style measures to be introduced in the northern West Bank, such as temporary evacuations of Palestinians, during the largest military operation in the occupied territory since 2002. However, Katz stated on X, “I oppose the displacement of any population from their homes,”.
Anadolu and agencies
