EU cancels Europe Day reception in Israel amid diplomatic tensions with Netanyahu government

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – The European Union on Monday canceled its Europe Day diplomatic reception in Israel amid rising tensions between the bloc and Benjamin Netanyahu's government over West Bank policies.

“This year we have decided to cancel the usual diplomatic reception” for Europe Day on May 9, Peter Stano, lead spokesperson of the EU diplomatic service, said in a statement.

“We do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the European Union stands for,” he explained.

The move came after the Israeli government decided to assign National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power faction, to represent the Netanyahu Cabinet at the Europe Day reception.

Ben-Gvir is known as a hard-liner Jewish settlement activist, and has been previously convicted for incitement and support for a Jewish terrorist group. He has repeatedly joined Israeli settlers in storming the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.

“The Europe Day cultural event for the Israeli public will be maintained” on Tuesday, Stano added.

-EU, Israel at odds over settlement, demolition of Palestinian property

Cancellation of the EU ceremony drew fire from Ben-Gvir.

“It is a shame that the European Union, which claims to represent the values of democracy and multiculturalism, is undiplomatically shutting mouths," his office said in a statement.

Held on May 9, Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe, marking the famous Schuman declaration that launched European integration.

Diplomatic relations between the EU and Israel have grown tense over EU criticism of the government’s West Bank policies.

The bloc on Sunday condemned the demolition of an EU-funded school in the West Bank affecting the education of over 80 Palestinian children, and called on Israel “to halt all demolitions and evictions.”

Last month, the Israeli media also reported that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell could not arrange an official visit to the country due to diplomatic tensions.

In a speech at the European Parliament in March, Borrell criticized Israel’s settlement policy and warned against disproportionate military action against Palestinians.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is seen as occupied territory under international law, thus making all demolitions and Jewish settlements there illegal.

Like Türkiye and much of the international community, the EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the territories it has occupied since 1967.

*With reporting by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara​​​​​​​