The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has called for an Association Council to discuss Israel’s compliance with human rights. Israel has accepted in principle to attend the council but has rejected Borrell’s suggestion that the meeting should specifically address the situation in Gaza. Israel’s reply does not include a specific agenda or date for the meeting, leaving room for further negotiations. The Association Council is based on the legal basis for trade and cooperation between the EU and Israel, set out in the Association Agreement of 2000.
Borrell’s invitation to Israel followed the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt its intended military offensive in Rafah, a city in the southern region of Gaza. However, Israel insists that any Association Council meeting should be a regular one and the agenda should be mutually agreed upon by both parties. This response highlights the tension between Israel and the EU regarding the purpose and agenda of the proposed Council meeting.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, proposed that the discussion on the content and timing of the Association Council should be initiated through established diplomatic channels. While Israel has agreed to attend the meeting, it rejects the idea of making the Council an “ad hoc” response to the situation in Gaza. The country believes that the Council should follow the normal format and allow for discussions on the war in Gaza and compliance with human rights.
Despite Israel’s acceptance of the meeting, there are concerns about the pressure that the EU may seek to apply during the Council. Israel has rejected using the Council as “leverage” to address the conflict with the Palestinians, preferring to keep discussions within the scope of trade and cooperation laid out in the Association Agreement. The Council has become a point of contention as both sides navigate their positions on the issues at hand.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced an agreement with his Hungarian counterpart to hold the Association Council during Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU. However, the presidency does not have the power to define the date or play a significant role in the discussions. The EU delegation will be represented by the High Representative, Josep Borrell, who is currently holding the position. This distinction is crucial as Israel navigates its relationship with the EU and its allies.
The decision to convene the Association Council comes after pressure from Ireland and Spain to renegotiate the Association Agreement with Israel. This agreement, based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, serves as a powerful tool for the EU to exert pressure on Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. The tension between Israel and the EU over the purpose and agenda of the Council meeting reflects a broader struggle to address the ongoing conflict in the region while upholding the principles of human rights and cooperation.
