On 24 February, EU foreign ministers will welcome Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli foreign minister, in Brussels, marking an unprecedented moment in EU history. This meeting occurs against a backdrop of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and former defence minister, suspected of war crimes. Such a gathering raises troubling questions about the EU’s diplomatic commitments versus its obligations to uphold international law.
Amnesty International’s Eve Geddie expressed outrage at the decision to honour Sa’ar’s visit while disregard lingers surrounding the ICC’s findings. She insisted that EU leaders should insist on accountability for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant regarding their alleged war crimes. Discussing future relations with Israel should first address the pressing need for justice, demanding an end to unlawful actions and respect for human rights.
The EU’s reluctance to confront Israel on its actions conveys a disturbing prioritisation: fostering diplomatic ties over supporting international law. The lack of response to threats against the ICC, particularly post-Trump’s sanctions, suggests the EU is willing to overlook serious allegations against the Israeli government. This complacency risks compounding complicity in genocide, apartheid, and unlawful occupation, urging leaders to reconsider their stance.
Background context highlights ongoing EU trade and investment in Israeli settlements, contradicting the International Court of Justice’s guidelines against aiding unlawful occupations. Amnesty International, alongside over 160 civil society organisations, has called on EU leaders to demand accountability from Israel and outline consequences should grave violations of international law persist. This pivotal meeting must send a clear message, not merely be a stage for formal handshakes.
On 24 February, EU foreign ministers will meet Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar, despite ongoing war crime warrant issues against Israeli leaders. Amnesty International urges the EU to prioritise accountability and adherence to international law over diplomatic relations. Calls for ensuring justice and preventing complicity in alleged crimes highlight the tensions in the EU’s dealings with Israel, demanding a serious reevaluation of priorities.
The upcoming EU-Israel Association Council meeting poses a stark moral dilemma for EU leaders, caught between diplomatic niceties and their commitment to uphold international law. The inaction against Israel’s alleged atrocities amplifies the urgency for rigorous accountability. Revising the EU’s relationship with Israel requires a fundamental shift towards prioritising justice, human rights, and adherence to international legal obligations over shallow diplomatic engagements.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
