EU analysis: Israel violates principles for close cooperation

The governments of the countries and the EU are now faced with the question of whether and how to react to the analysis. The options range from suspending the current partnership agreement to economic sanctions. For example, customs facilitations could be revoked and Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program could be blocked.

The report is to be discussed at top political level for the first time on Monday at a meeting of foreign ministers. On Thursday, it is also likely to be discussed at the June summit of heads of state and government.

Analysis requested by foreign ministers

The report, which was prepared under the leadership of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, is the result of a mandate from the EU Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers. In May, it decided by a large majority to review whether Israel is still adhering to the basic principles of the so-called Association Agreement. These include the fact that relations between the contracting parties are also based on respect for human rights.

Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip are now seen in the report as a violation of this basic principle. The background to this is, in particular, the fact that for months the country has hardly allowed any deliveries of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip, where around two million Palestinians live. Israel justifies its actions by claiming that the Islamist Hamas is profiting from the aid deliveries.

Von der Leyen accuses Israel of violations of the law and violence

The outcome of the report has been apparent for several weeks. EU Commission President von der Leyen had already said at the end of May that the escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians in the Gaza Strip could not be justified under humanitarian and international law. The expansion of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, in which civilian infrastructure was targeted, was abhorrent.

As an example, she cited the destruction of a school building that served as a refuge for displaced Palestinian families. Children also died in the attack. Israel spoke of an attack on a command center of the Islamist Hamas.

Intensive discussions about the partnership agreement with Israel had already taken place in the EU last year. These discussions were mainly initiated by Spain and Ireland.