JERUSALEM: The European Union (EU) has announced the cancellation of its Europe Day reception in Tel Aviv after an extremist Israeli minister, known for his controversial views, insisted on participating.
The EU delegation to Israel expressed regret over the decision but stated that they did not want to offer a platform for someone whose views contradict the values of the European Union.
The dispute arose when reports surfaced in Israeli media on Sunday, revealing the EU’s dissatisfaction with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s participation in the Tel Aviv reception.
Israeli government officials on Monday confirmed that Ben-Gvir had been designated by the government to attend the EU event.
The leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, Ben-Gvir, has a long history of making inflammatory remarks about Palestinians and has faced numerous charges of incitement to violence and hate speech.
In 2007, Ben-Gvir was convicted of supporting a terrorist group and inciting racism. He is an advocate for the annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an action considered illegal under international law.
In response to the EU’s decision, Ben-Gvir issued a statement confirming his attendance and highlighting his belief that in a democracy, diverse opinions should be heard.
However, the EU reaffirmed that they do not endorse his political views or those of his party, as they contradict the values and principles upheld by the European Union.
EU says consultations underway regarding reception
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s spokesperson, Peter Stano, stated that consultations were ongoing regarding the reception. Stano reiterated that the EU does not support the political views of Ben-Gvir or his party, emphasizing the stark contradiction between their views and the EU’s values.
Later in the day, the European Union’s Israeli delegation announced the cancellation of the diplomatic reception. However, they confirmed that a “cultural event for the Israeli public” would still take place to celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between Israel and the EU.
In response to the cancellation, Ben-Gvir criticized the EU, accusing it of hypocrisy and engaging in “undiplomatic mouth-shutting.”
Europe Day is an annual celebration that commemorates European unity and peace, marking the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union. Despite the cancellation of the diplomatic reception, the EU intends to uphold the cultural event to foster the constructive relationship between Israel and the European Union.
