Despite Israel’s close military and diplomatic relationship with the US, its economy is more dependent on Europe, which accounts for a third of its trade. The European Union provides essential grants and opportunities for Israeli academics. However, Europe struggles to exert political influence over Israel due to internal divisions and historical alliances. Critics argue that European condemnation of Israel's policies appears ineffective when Israel continues unhindered economic relations. Key European nations like France, the UK, and Canada recently criticized Israel over its actions in Gaza, highlighting rising tensions in international response to Israel's policies.
Critics of Israel's illegal settlements and more recently its war in Gaza have repeatedly been outweighed and outvoted by a combination of older member states like Germany and Austria who are bound to Israel by history.
Josep Borrell, former EU policy chief, criticized the EU's failure to leverage its economic ties with Israel, implying that condemnations lack seriousness without consequence.
Collection
[
|
...
]