EU foreign ministers to discuss plan to halt Israel political talks

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell is to propose suspending political dialogue with Israel over its war in the Gaza Strip at an EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday in Brussels.

The move comes after "a year of unheeded pleas by the Israeli authorities regarding respect for international law in the Gaza war," Borrell wrote in a statement ahead of the meeting.

In addition, Borrell wants the import of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law, to be banned.

The EU foreign policy chief said in October that he wanted to lead a debate on Israel's conduct in the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon at the next foreign ministers' meeting.

Political dialogue with Israel is regulated by the EU-Israel Association Agreement that entered into force in 2000, which provides for regular exchanges to strengthen the partnership.

It also states that relations between the sides are based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.

Spain and Ireland had already suggested several months ago that the EU's partnership agreement with Israel be scrutinized.

The agreement covers not only political dialogue but also economic cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, transport and tourism.

EU diplomats have stressed that suspending the institutional political dialogue does not mean suspending the EU's association agreement with Israel.

The move would also not suspend the Association Council, which the EU-Israel agreement created, and which is the main body handling relations between the two parties.

If the proposal if adopted, diplomats said the differences could be discussed in the Association Council with Israel.

The European Union had asked Israel some time ago for a meeting of the Association Council to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the allegations against Israel, diplomats said.

However, after several months, no agreement has been reached with the Israeli government, they said.

A decision to suspend the political dialoque requries unanimity which is considered unlikely.

Germany has already stated its opposition while Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic have so far clearly stood on Israel's side.

However, EU officials stress that from Borrell's perspective, even a discussion among member states could represent a significant political signal.

EU officials also point out that the discussion about sanctions on the import of products from Israeli settlements sends a clear political message to Israel.

The initiative concerning Israel could be Borrell's last major diplomatic move before leaving the office of EU foreign representative.

Over the summer, member states selected the former Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas to take over the role.

She can take over the top post once the European Parliament confirms the new European Commission. That process is already under way.

Borrell took office on December 1, 2019.

EU foreign ministers will also approve new sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with ballistic missiles to use in the Ukraine war. The possible Chinese supply of drones to Russia will also be discussed.