Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Tel Aviv announced to the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell that they could not adjust his visit on the proposed dates, Israeli media reported.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Borrell had informed the Israeli Foreign Ministry of his preference to visit on September 14 and 15. Israeli officials responded by stating that those dates were not feasible and recommended coordinating the visit after the holidays, which would force the trip to late October after Borrell’s term ends, the report noted.
Why did Israel postpone Borrell’s proposed visit dates?
This development follows intense criticism of Borrell from Israeli officials over his actions to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The sanctions are a reaction to accusations of incitement to hatred and war crimes.
Why did Borrell impose sanctions on Israeli ministers?
On August 29, before an informal conference of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Borrell announced that he had taken measures to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers for their hate discourse targeting Palestinians and proposals that violate international law. Although he did not name the ministers directly, diplomats affirmed that the sanctions were aimed at Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, both of whom belong to far-right political factions.
Borrell has earlier called for these ministers to be held accountable for their statements, which include calls to cut off humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In response, Israeli officials have harshly criticized Borrell.
How have Israeli ministers reacted to Borrell’s sanctions?
Energy Minister Eli Cohen blamed him for hypocrisy, claiming that Borrell defends the Palestinian Authority financially while seeking to punish Israeli ministers combating terrorism. Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz quoted the criticism, accusing Borrell of spreading false information about Israeli policies.
Flouting a UN Security Council resolution urging an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its persistent brutal offensive on Gaza. Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating battle on Gaza since October 7. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 40,939 Palestinians have been slain, and 94,616 wounded in Israel’s continued genocide in Gaza starting on October 7. Moreover, at least 11,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.
