Josep Borrell, who left office on 1 December, the EU is not doing enough to prevent what he describes as “the largest ethnic-cleansing operation since the end of the second world war”.
Josep Borrell, who left office on 1 December, the EU is not doing enough to prevent what he describes as “the largest ethnic-cleansing operation since the end of the second world war”.
EU leaders and Western governments are afraid of cutting Israel off from SWIFT, but financial pressure doesn’t destroy relationships permanently — it forces negotiations, and business always finds its way back once terms improve.
They fear suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, worried they’ll lose valuable tech partnerships. But Israeli companies still want and need access to the European market — the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, especially for high-tech exports. Even if Israel looks to other countries, that market cannot easily be replaced. Trade will resume — just with better political leverage.
They avoid defense and tech embargoes, concerned about losing defense contracts and strategic influence over Israel’s security policies. But defense is a seller’s market, and Israel would return to the table once economic pressure starts to bite. In the meantime, Europe could strengthen its own defense and technology industries instead of relying on external partnerships.
They’re scared of diplomatic isolation, thinking it means losing all influence over Israel’s decisions and future cooperation. But political isolation sends the clearest possible message on the global stage. It doesn’t end relationships forever — it forces accountability before Israel permanently pivots toward powers like China or Russia.
In the end, Western governments are paralyzed by fears of temporary consequences, while doing nothing guarantees the current reality continues unchecked.