The European Union is taking a stern position against Israel after Israel announced the planned construction of 2,610 apartments in the Givat HaMatos neighborhood, an area liberated in the June 1967 War. The EU and the international community views the neighborhood as “occupied” by Israel. EU officials are now threatening Israel that future relations may be compromised if Israel moves ahead with the construction project.

Israel continues juggling its relationship with the EU, which remains a staunch backer of the PA, actually, the PA’s single largest donor.

Officials in the EU referred to the planned construction as “a highly detrimental step that undermines prospects for a two-state solution and calls into question Israel’s commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.”

While the statement is threatening, no mention was made of the €14 million that Israel is expected to receive from the EU over the next seven years. In addition, the EU is a major trade partner with Israel so a boycott could have a significant impact on Israeli export.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)