Kallas: “What is happening in the West Bank is making a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine impossible”

Brussels – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government do not want a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and are sabotaging, more than ever, any attempt at coexistence with the Palestinians. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has finally condemned the Jewish state and its leadership: “Everyone agrees that the situation in the West Bank is truly intolerable,” she stated upon her arrival in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. She explains the reason for this “intolerable” situation herself: “We all support the two-state solution. What is happening in the West Bank is, in fact, making it increasingly impossible for this two-state solution ever to be implemented.” 

The High Representative’s statements represent a clear recognition of Netanyahu’s actions and a not-too-veiled accusation of the annexation of Palestinian territories – to which the EU has so far been unable to respond, and in the face of which any response now risks being too late. This is because Israel is advancing and taking control of territory that is, at this stage, becoming increasingly difficult to reclaim, especially if this government’s true intentions are opposed to any two-state solution. 

The EU takes note, but Kallas, despite everything, leaves the matter to Member States. This is partly because the European Commission does not have full powers in foreign policy, and partly – precisely for this reason – because it lacks courage and leadership. The High Representative does not set out any line of action, nor does she even attempt to do so, and when asked what the preferable course of action might be in response to this Israeli government’s advance into the West Bank, she replies that “it doesn’t matter what my preferred option is, because I try to bring the 27 Member States together where there is common ground.” 

Meanwhile, it is acknowledged that, amid the inaction of the twelve-star bloc, the two-state peace process is dying, while another aspect of the issue is being glossed over: namely, what to do with the Palestinian refugees in the event of the full annexation of the West Bank. Today’s EU does not want asylum seekers, as shown by the whole new dialogue channel that has been opened with the Taliban regime to take back Afghan nationals operating on EU soil. The European Union, having already turned its back on the Palestinians, risks turning away even further.