Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, from the stage of the Progressive International, is leading the charge against the Israeli government, calling on the European Union to suspend the association agreement on the grounds of a violation of Article 2, namely respect for human rights .
«We have nothing against the Israelis, on the contrary, it is quite the opposite: but a government that violates international law and, consequently, the principles and values of the EU cannot be our partner», thunders Sanchez.
The attack on the EU-Israel agreement has been a longstanding Madrid hobbyhorse, but so far it has consistently foundered on the lack of consensus among the 27 member states, as unanimity is required to proceed with the suspension. However, Sánchez is not alone in his fight. The Irish and Slovenian foreign ministers also sent a letter to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressing their "deepest concern" over several measures adopted by the Israeli government, including "executive and military decisions and laws approved by the Knesset," which contravene "human rights" and "violate international law and international humanitarian law." The Council will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday, and given the current state of affairs, yet another vote could be in store. "The tide is turning, as demonstrated by the statements of German Chancellor Merz and the failure to renew the defense agreement between Italy and Israel," commented a senior EU official. "Gaza, the West Bank, and respect for the ceasefire in Lebanon: everything is now linked, but much depends on Lebanon," the source adds. Why is the Spanish prime minister's attack coming today? Because Italy and Germany's unwavering support for Tel Aviv is wavering, and Orban, Netanyahu's ally, has lost the Hungarian elections . This is also why Sanchez deemed the moment propitious to apply pressure.
(Unioneonline)
