EU foreign ministers are expected to hold a fractious discussion over relations with Israel today. It comes after the EU’s foreign affairs chief proposed invoking the human rights clause in the EU’s trade agreement with Israel.
The UN estimates more than 45,000 people have been killed since the 7 October attacks on Israel. 43,391 of those are Palestinians.
Earlier this year, Spain and Ireland – vocal supporters of Palestine – requested “an analysis of the situation under Article 2 of the EU- Israel Association Agreement”, the human rights clause of the EU’s trade deal.
But further discussion was blocked by other EU member states. The European Commission also dragged its feet.
Israel did commit to attending a meeting with the Europeans where human rights concerns could have been discussed. But so far no such meeting has materialised.
The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell has become increasingly outspoken about Israeli attacks.
But his letter last week to EU member states nonetheless came as a surprise.
In the letter, seen by NewsIreland.eu, Josep Borrell announced: “I will be tabling a proposal that the EU should invoke the human rights clause to suspend the political dialogue with Israel.”
Suspending political dialogue – if triggered – would not cut off contact between the EU and Israel.
A high ranking EU official said such a move would not stop Israel in its tracks, but it would send a “political message that we are worried about what’s going on.”
The EU’s 27 member states would need to unanimously agree to take the step. That is highly unlikely to happen today because the EU is divided over to what extent Israel’s actions can be classed as necessary for its self-defence.
One senior EU diplomat suggested Josep Borrell’s proposal was “ill-prepared” and a move made to “make a statement” at his last Foreign Affairs Council before he steps down from the role.
But the fact that the issue is on the agenda and will be discussed has been welcomed by other member states. Another source noted the increasing unease the EU felt about Israel’s actions.
Josep Borrell believes “actions need to have consequences”, the EU official insisted.
It is understood that, due to the general election, Ireland will not be sending a minister to today’s meeting in Brussels, but will be watching closely.