While Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced Israel views the agreement between Hamas and Fatah as a cutting of ties with Israel by the latter, the European Union has a slightly different view. EU Ambassador to Israel Lars Faaborg-Andersen announced on Tuesday, 29 Nissan to Walla News that the agreement is actual an essential to implementation of the two-state solution.

The EU official expressed criticism of Israel’s decision to halt negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority) in response to the announcement agreement. “We are hopeful that negotiations will resume between Israel and the PA and we call on both sides to refrain from taking unilateral actions which will only serve to further complicate the situation.” The ambassador feels the agreement is a positive development from a different angle, encouraging democracy in the PA. He feels the reconciliation is necessary towards holding elections in the PA and the future development of a democratic culture and rule of authority.

According to the Walla News report, the response from the EU ambassador is in line with statements released by other European community officials regarding the agreement. Walla states one diplomat who is extremely close to the talks called Israel’s response “exaggerated”, adding “Israel did not have to celebrate because of the agreement. Netanyahu’s response was exaggerated to the other direction. It appears Netanyahu was just looking for an opportunity to break away from the talks”.

Another diplomat is quoted anonymously criticizing Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who headed the Israeli negotiating team. “There is an understanding regarding Israel’s concerns but there is no support for its actions of late. The picture in recent days is a sad one. President Abbas has promised the new government will recognize Israel and he emphasizes the importance of the negotiations. He released an important message on Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israel responds by dismissing his words.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)