EU Foreign Policy Divisions Deepen Over Israel Between Top Officials

Tensions within the European Union's foreign policy leadership have intensified over Israel, highlighting a power struggle between the EU's senior diplomat, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and other European Commission members. The dispute centers on the approach to Israel and the coherence of the EU's external policy.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Dubravka Šuica, recently traveled to Israel on a trip that was planned well in advance but was not publicly announced, catching several European capitals off guard. The Commission's spokesperson could not explain the lack of prior notice, only stating that the matter would be reviewed. Šuica's visit occurred shortly after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar severed ties with High Representative Borrell following media reports that Borrell compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.

Reports indicate that Šuica has pursued a more independent and conciliatory policy line toward Israel, contrasting with Borrell's more confrontational stance. This divergence has caused friction within the Commission, with some diplomats suggesting that Šuica acts with the backing of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aiming to assert greater Commission control over foreign policy. One diplomat noted that Šuica's initiatives are not personal but part of a broader Commission effort, while another suggested her recent trip signaled von der Leyen's distancing from Borrell.

The issue of Israel sharply illustrates the EU's foreign policy divisions. Members of the European Parliament, such as Hildegard Bentele, chair of the EU delegation to Israel, praised Šuica's responsible and constructive approach, contrasting it with Borrell's rhetoric. Meanwhile, most EU countries and Borrell have pushed for trade restrictions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Borrell has reportedly lost support within the EU due to his inability to build alliances, and his limited power requires broad consensus for major decisions, leaving him vulnerable to internal opposition.

This ongoing discord raises questions about the EU's ability to present a unified foreign policy, especially on sensitive issues like Israel, and suggests further internal challenges ahead.