Recent discussions between the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on the humanitarian situation had built trust and helped consolidate a “strong” foundation to the relationship, he said, warning that suspending parts of the association agreement would destroy all that goodwill.
“We are basically a dream for the EU of a neighboring country,” Regev said. “We are a democracy, there is no issue with migration, gay rights. It’s a dream,” he said. “At the end of the road Israel is the only player in the region that serves directly the interests of the EU.”
Inside Brussels, many don’t see it that way. While Regev argues that he has always been on good terms with key players inside the Commission, some EU staff are threatening to strike in protest over Gaza.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s team of commissioners are also split over the right way to respond, with some increasingly speaking out against Israeli plans for Gaza, including Netanyahu’s proposal for full military occupation of the territory.
‘Old antisemitism’ is back
Regev said Israel had been “extremely disappointed” that the Netherlands had joined the group of highly critical countries this year. And he was particularly disapproving of Germany’s recent decision to ban exports of arms that could be used in Gaza.
“We do not accept that. We don’t think it is a step that Germany should take. At the end of the road, Europe knows the history of Israel, and the Jews, especially the Jews,” Regev said.
