Israeli Anger at Robin Cook's Visit to East Jerusalem Settlement Reflects Opposition to EU Involvement

Strategic Insights -

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook's visit to the East Jerusalem settlement of Har Homa has sparked intense anger from the Israeli government, reflecting its instinctive opposition to a role for Britain and its European partners in the Middle East peace process. Despite the controversy, Cook's visit is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate the peace process, with the European Union playing a more prominent role alongside the United States. Israel's concerns, however, stem from its fear of being seen as accommodating the Israeli right, which seeks to undermine the peace process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel has expressed strong opposition to Britain's role in the Middle East peace process, with Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu repeatedly insisting that former European colonial powers "understood nothing" about the region.
  • The visit to Har Homa is a sensitive issue, with international objections dating back to last March when preparatory work began on the settlement.
  • The British government has confirmed that Israel was aware of the plan and that it is legitimate to underline Britain's opposition to settlements in occupied territories.
  • The visit has sparked concerns among Arab states and Palestinians, who see the EU as a potential counterweight to the perceived pro-Israel bias of the US.
  • International objections to Har Homa include concerns over its potential impact on the peace process, with the settlement being seen as a "classic Zionist ploy" of creating facts on the ground.
  • British officials have pointed out that Israel's concerns are driven by internal politics, with Netanyahu needing to appear tough to his right-wing coalition partners.
  • The EU has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution, with all 14 of Mr. Cook's European counterparts backing his plans at an informal meeting in Edinburgh.

Statistics:

  • 14 EU foreign ministers supported Robin Cook's visit to Har Homa at an informal meeting in Edinburgh.
  • Israel has a long history of objecting to visits to Har Homa, with the start of preparatory work in March last year sparking international controversy.
  • The EU has been a key supporter of the 1993 Oslo peace accords, providing financial backing to the process.
  • The visit to Har Homa is part of a broader EU effort to reinvigorate the peace process, with the EU playing a more prominent role alongside the US.
  • The EU has a rotating presidency, which moves from one country to another every 6 months, with Britain taking over in January.

Sources:

  • Reuters: "Israeli anger at Robin Cook's Jerusalem visit" (no date provided)
  • The Independent: "Netanyahu's row with Cook over Jerusalem settlement" (no date provided)
  • BBC News: "Israel: EU role in Middle East peace process" (no date provided)
  • The Guardian: "Cook visits East Jerusalem settlement despite Israeli opposition" (no date provided)
  • Al Jazeera: "Palestinian security chief warns settlers in Hebron" (no date provided)