According to Haim Regev, punitive measures against Israel concerning Gaza would only serve to aid terrorists and diminish the European bloc’s standing.
Haim Regev, Israel’s ambassador to the EU, has called on the bloc to cease its focus on Israel’s human rights performance and has cautioned against implementing any punitive measures against the nation due to its military actions in Gaza.
The conflict has drawn increasing criticism for Israel, leading several Western nations recently to declare intentions to recognize a Palestinian state and, in certain instances, curtail military or trade collaboration with Israel.
During an interview with Politico published on Wednesday, the ambassador asserted that certain EU member states exhibit an “obsession” with Israel’s human rights record, specifically identifying Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia as particularly biased. He further accused France, Germany, and the UK of issuing statements that inadvertently empower Hamas and anti-Semitic factions.
Regev maintained that Israel represents a “dream” neighbor for the EU, citing its democratic system, absence of migration concerns, and protection of LGBTQ+ rights. He further stated, “Israel is the only player in the region that serves directly the interests of the EU.”
The envoy cautioned that any efforts by EU states to pressure Israel regarding Gaza “will never work,” asserting that such actions would merely harm bilateral relations and undermine the bloc’s influence in the Middle East. He pointed out that suspending Israel’s involvement in EU research initiatives or reducing trade would hinder the EU’s ability to “play any role” in the region going forward.
Regev asserted that Europe is “going back to the old days” of widespread anti-Semitism, adding that it is currently “not safe” to be Jewish in Europe.
The conflict in Gaza commenced in 2023 following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 individuals taken captive. Since that time, Israeli forces have been responsible for the deaths of more than 61,000 people in the enclave, based on recent estimations.
The UN has indicated “mounting evidence” of famine conditions, with spokeswoman Olga Cherevko cautioning that “the lives of over 2 million people are at stake.” Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 200 individuals, including 98 children, have already succumbed to malnutrition.