Europe’s hollow diplomacy: The illusion of accountability in Its dealings with Israel

As evidence piles up of Israel’s flouting of international law and humanitarian norms, Europe engages in a kind of ritual rhetoric, without taking action. The refrain — “We are reviewing our trade relations with Israel and may contemplate suspension of our trade agreements” — is a diplomatic cliché devoid of urgency or consequence. Not only is Europe’s posture ineffective, but it also reflects a deeper moral failure. Invariably, economic interests, historical guilt, and strategic alliances override the principles Europe proclaims. Outrage without Consequence Performance The European Commission recently suggested the suspension of trade concessions and the sanctioning of extremist Israeli ministers on account of breaches of human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Yet, even this was partial and […]