EU Will Not Recognize Unilateral Israeli Annexation of Parts of West Bank

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The European Union’s head of foreign policy stated Monday that the bloc would not recognize any annexation changes Israel made to “1967 borders” unless these had been agreed by the Palestinians, the Times of Israel reports. In his statement, Josep Borrell added: “We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral decision that would lead to the annexation of any occupied Palestinian territory and would be, as such, contrary to international law.”

Under the new Israeli government coalition deal, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz agreed that Israel can advance plans to apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Borrell’s statement was made after EU foreign ministers had met to discuss possible responses to unilateral Israeli annexation, the Times of Israel reported.

Explaining why EU member states “will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed by Israelis and Palestinians,” Borrell said it was because “International law is a fundamental pillar of the international rules-based order.” The EU views Netanyahu’s plans for annexation with “grave concern,” Borrell said.

When asked what steps might be taken in the event of annexation without Palestinian agreement, Borrell said the EU is “devoted to the diplomatic action in order to avoid any unilateral action.” He added: “What everybody agreed is that we have to increase our efforts and our reach out to all relevant actors in the Middle East in order to avoid that something that we do not want to happen, could happen… And if this happens, then we will see.”

Borrell also congratulated the newly formed coalition government in his statement on Monday and said it was important for the EU “to have the best relationship with Israel.” While reaffirming the EU’s position of support for a negotiated Two-State solution, Borrell said: “We look forward to working comprehensively and constructively with the new [Israeli] government.”

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