In the end, Kallas criticises Netanyahu: “Israel must defend itself, but it has gone too far”

from the correspondent. in Strasbourg – “Enough is enough. Israel has the right to defend itself, but what we see goes beyond this right.” In the end, Kaja Kallas publicly acknowledges the responsibilities of the Jewish state in its handling of the response to Hamas attacks. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy criticises the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in the European Parliament, where she was pressed on this issue, effectively forcing her to speak out. On the horizon is the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, where Kallas will unveil her conclusions on the possible revision of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The thematic debate on the situation in Gaza was requested and obtained by the group of the Left, which gets from Kallas those harsh words rarely heard so far. Yes, the High Representative reiterates that “Israel has the right to live, but no one should live in terror.” A criticism of Hamas, which the EU recognises as a terrorist organisation, and thus, yes, words in support of the Jewish state. “We must put pressure on Hamas, and in this sense the Arab world can play an important role,” Kallas continued, careful to use tones that are, in any case, conciliatory towards the Israeli partner, to whom she does not, however, spare criticism and condemnation.

The King of Jordan criticizes Israel and presses the EU: ‘A shameful version of humanity in Gaza’

“Stopping aid undermines decades of commitments to humanitarian law,” she chimes in. This is a condemnation of Netanyahu’s government for the blockade of essential supplies needed by the civilian population. “There is an unacceptable number of deaths,” the High Representative continues. Who criticises further: “Israel has declared that it wants complete control of the Gaza Strip, and this is a violation of international law, and must be called by its name.” It also thwarts the EU’s own diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East. “The two-state solution is the only one possible.”

Then there is the issue of Jewish fanaticism, which Kallas says is not being addressed by those in charge, namely the Israeli head of government and the cabinet of ministers. “Settler violence is increasing, and this is unacceptable,” she criticises further, and reminds that “the destruction of homes is leading to the displacement” of Palestinians. “Israel must counter its own extremists.”

Kallas’s lunges at the current Israeli leadership do not allow the High Representative to leave the hemicycle without criticism. On the contrary, they come down hard on her, beginning with Manon Aubry, the co-president of the Left, who opens the debate as the representative of the group that requested the debate. “Genocide. Genocide. I repeat it because in these months you have never used this term,” the Frenchwoman began, then accused: “Enough of this complicity, because you are complicit in all this, with your silence.” In fact, Aubry herself points out immediately afterwards, “the EU and European leaders are directly complicit in genocide,” and responsible for hypocrisy: “Against Russia, 17 packages of sanctions have been adopted, against Israel, which is carrying out genocide, not even one package. This is the EU’s double standard.”

 For socialists, this presents an opportunity to recommit to demanding serious action. “Netanyahu must stop this carnage. We must impose sanctions on all members of the government,” argues Evin Incir. Calls for sanctions come, in other tones, from party colleague Nacho Amor Sanchez: “Can one close one’s eyes to all that is happening? The double standard is the cancer of this Union.”

Even European liberals do not spare criticism of Kallas and the soft line of the EU executive, of which the High Representative is a member. “With each passing day, the EU becomes an accomplice to genocide,” laments Hilde Vautmans (RE). “Yes, Israel can use force to free hostages, but Netanyahu is punishing all Palestinians; starvation is used as a strategy. This is not defence. It is time for targeted sanctions on the government, on those who prevent aid from entering, and to suspend the agreement with Israel.” Tieneke Strik (Greens) joins in reminding Kallas that “Netanyahu is committing war crimes, and attacking Iran”, and pointing out that “this is not defence, it is prevarication of international law”. She calls for “concrete action”, which means sanctions, against Israel. Even the European People’s Party calls for a change of pace: “We cannot be the Europe of values only in words,” urges Sean Kelly, who is also convinced that “to ignore what is happening in Gaza would be to betray everything for which the EU was created.”

Kallas listened to all the speeches and waited for the time to reply. First, she reminded the entire chamber that “I am not representing myself, but 27 Member States.” She reminds those who call for restrictive measures of this. “On sanctions, the states decide unanimously,” she reminds, and in doing so explains that before promising something, one must be certain that the conditions exist. “Why should I push for something that won’t happen?” she asks, regarding a unity that is not there. “Put pressure on your governments,” is the invitation to MEPs. She then tries to defend herself: “I have never been silent. I have worked to alleviate the suffering of those in Palestine.”