Will Brussels definitively give up on having a unique voice in the Middle East? As the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) meet on Monday, November 18, for the last time under the presidency of Josep Borrell, the war that Israel is waging in Gaza and Lebanon will be on the menu of discussions. However, the question already arises of the direction of the European Union on this very complex and flammable issue when the Spaniard withdraws and leaves his place, on 1er December, in Kaja Kallas.
Which line will Estonian Kaja Kallas be able to embody in the region? While she toured the capitals – she was in Paris on Friday November 15 – to identify the means for Europe to further influence the ongoing conflict, she gave rare clues outlining a policy that is far behind in relation to that led by the Spanish socialist in the region.
A call for “restraint”
Since the start of the war in Gaza, triggered after the deadly Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, the Twenty-Seven have had the greatest difficulty in the world finding a common line. The Europeans ended up agreeing on the reminder that Israel has the right to defend itself, within the limits of respect for international humanitarian law. Likewise, after many discussions, they agreed to demand a ceasefire, which has so far been completely ineffective.
On November 12, during her hearing before the European Parliament, Kaja Kallas remained very evasive on the way forward in the region. She called for “restraint” the parties to the conflict, without a word on the documented violations of humanitarian law by the Israeli government. Likewise, she only assured that she will work to put an end to this conflict, within the framework of the two-state solution.
During the same hearing, the former Estonian leader reiterated her desire to cooperate closely with the United States on major issues. However, the future American administration, which President-elect Donald Trump is putting in place, is showing its clear support for the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. The future American ambassador to Israel, the evangelical Mike Huckabee, assured on November 13 that, even if he was not responsible for determining Trump's policy, an annexation of the West Bank would be possible during the second Trump term… alignment with the American position would signify a definitive renunciation of any European ambition in the region, which many member states do not intend to support, starting with Ireland, Spain or France.
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Source: Lemonde