Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell criticised Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz for calling to oust people from the West Bank, blaming him for wanting ‘’to do the same endeavour that they are doing with the people in Gaza.’’
How Did Josep Borrell Respond to Israel Katz’s West Bank Comments?
EU foreign policy chief made the remarks as he addressed reporters just before an informal conference of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels. ‘’This is completely unacceptable,’’ expressed Borrell. ‘’I hope the ministers will raise their voices against the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the treatment of the United Nations and the way this war is being conducted following all violations of humanitarian law. This will once again be examined by the ministers and I hope that we will take stock of this dramatic situation,’’ expressed Borrell.
During the session, UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, is anticipated ‘’to debrief Ministers on the humanitarian crisis on the ground,’’ the EU said.
What were the remarks of the Israeli Minister?
A day earlier, Israel’s Minister Katz called for “the temporary evacuation of Palestinian residents and whatever actions are required,” after the IDF overnight undertook a large-scale anti-terror procedure in Judea and Samaria (West Bank).
“This is a war in every regard and we must win it,” Katz said. He emphasised that Iran is working “to establish an eastern terrorist front” in Judea and Samaria, expressed Katz, following its proxy model in Lebanon with Hezbollah and the Gaza Strip with Hamas, by “financing and arming terrorists and smuggling advanced weapons from Jordan.” He contended: “We must deal with the threat just as we deal with the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.”
What Actions Is the EU Considering Against Israeli Ministers?
Josep Borrell also stated he will ask the Foreign Ministers to contain in the EU sanctions list some Israeli ministers who have been undertaking unacceptable hate messages against the Palestinians and recommendations that go clearly against international law and are incitement to commit war offences,’’ a reference to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Borrell had cautioned that he would take such a measure earlier this month in a post on X. “While the World forces for a ceasefire in #Gaza, Min. Ben Gvir calls for cutting fuel & aid to civilians,” Borrell wrote. “Like Min. Smotrich sinister statements, this is an incitement to war crimes. Sanctions must be on our EU agenda,” he stated.
Josep Borrell, understood for being very critical of Israel, is to quit his post as EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy in November and be followed by outgoing Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
