T. Belman. This is bullshit. The labeling remains and the EU supported illegal construction in Area C remains. Israel agrees to the EU involvement in the “peace process” and EU agrees not to make any other moves. At least the EU says their blatantly political move of labeling was not a political move.
Though the EU agreed that all issues are to be negotiated by Israel and the PA, especially the matter of borders, the EU did not agree to stop publically supporting borders based on the ’67 lines plus swaps.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini ended the crisis between Israel and the EU on Friday, with the two sides agreeing to resume talks on the Palestinian issue. These were suspended by Israel three months ago in response to the EU’s decision to mark produce from settlements in European markets.
During their phone conversation Friday afternoon, Mogherini invited Netanyahu to visit EU headquarters in Brussels.
Over the past two weeks, there has been quiet contact between Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem – headed by director general Dore Gold – and foreign policy officials at the EU, headed by deputy foreign policy chief Helga Schmidt. The talks were aimed at formulating understandings that would lead to an end to the crisis, which started after the EU decision to mark produce from the settlements was made official last November. Since then, Israel suspended all contact with the European Union regarding the Palestinian question.
A senior official in Jerusalem noted it was understood in Israel that the rupture with the European Union ultimately harms Israeli interests, but that they wished to receive some sort of “compensation” from the EU in the form of a commitment by Mogherini to freeze further initiatives against Israel. Given that, Israel had to eventually make do with general nonbinding declarations that contained no diplomatic achievements for Israel.
A few days ago, the two sides started preparing an agreed formula for a declaration by Netanyahu and Mogherini that would be issued after their phone conversation. Afterward Friday’s conversation, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Mogherini had “expressed solidarity with the people of Israel in light of recent terror attacks, repeating the European Union’s commitment to Israel’s security.”
Netanyahu told Mogherini of the need to combat Palestinian incitement, which he said encourages terror against Israeli civilians.
“The two sides discussed the important relations between Israel and the European Union following the EU announcement regarding labeling produce from beyond the 1967 borders,” the Foreign Ministry said. “The prime minister welcomed Mogherini’s position in which the EU strongly opposes a boycott and efforts by the BDS movement against Israel, and by which the guidelines for labeling produce do not predetermine results of future negotiations regarding borders – an issue that should be resolved by the two parties [Israel and the Palestinians].”
During the conversation, Netanyahu emphasized to Mogherini that Israel objects to illegal construction in Area C of the West Bank (which is under full Israeli control), in which the EU is involved.
“The prime minister and Mogherini agreed that bilateral relations between Israel and the European Union should continue in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, which will assist the diplomatic process. The two sides agreed to convene the EU-Israel Association Council in the near future,” the Foreign Ministry added.
The EU backed off that as an entity it was recommending labeling of products from Judah/Samaria. It was left to individual countries to determine what they would require.
The EU is starting to fall apart. Their open borders is being stopped. The currency is teetering. They are being over run with people they do not want (e.g. Muslims). They are getting massive internal protests over this. They will not be able to impose their will on Israel. So Israel will talk with them. That is what politicians do talk and talk……….!
Typical Bibi Bull? It is impossible to know for certain, but my guess is that Netanyahu and Gold have tried in this seeming capitulation, to prevent The EU, thru a secret addendum to this capitulation, from introducing and supporting a binding resolution in the UN Security Council to declare balastine a state, thus providing Obama with the opportunity to not veto it. My guess is Israel got something of substance from this.
SHmuel what do you think?
More homestyle goodness!
France is circling the drain.
And here we have a rare sighting of Jewish vigilance.
‘Tis a happy Saturday.
The refusal by the West to convince the Pal of the need to compromise with IL clearly indicates that the West is NOT serious about a TSS and it is painless to blame Israel. The Saudi plan is a non-starter since it is a take it or leave it!Who can trust the Islamists!!! No one.
Nothing new here.Netanyahu has caved in again in order to placate Israel’s enemies.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4765452,00.html