Deterioration in EU-Israel relations

Relations between the EU and Israel have deteriorated in the run-up to the diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by European Union (EU) members Ireland and Spain. Madrid has suggested that sanctions be considered against Israel for its continued attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has said that Spain will not allow its consulate in Jerusalem to assist the Palestinians.
At the same time, the EU’s foreign policy chief and Spaniard Josep Borrell has thrown his full force behind supporting the International Criminal Court. Prosecutors in the case are seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders, among others.
“The prosecutor of the court has been badly harassed and accused of anti-Semitic sentiments, the word anti-Semitic is very heavy, it is very important”, said Borel.
Katz was full of angry words on Monday after accusing Spain of “promoting terrorism” by recognizing a Palestinian state and declaring that the “days of the Inquisition are over”. He mentioned the infamous Spanish institution established in the 15th century to maintain Roman Catholic orthodoxy. The institution forced Jews and Muslims to flee, convert to Catholicism, or in some cases face death.
“No one is going to force us to change our religion or threaten our existence – whoever harms us, we will harm in return”, said Katz.
While the EU and its member states committed to condemning the October 7 Hamas-led attack, the bloc has equally criticized Israel for the upcoming attack.
The latest attack is centered on Rafah. Palestinian health workers said at least 35 people were killed in Israeli attacks here on Sunday. “Several” other people were trapped in burning tents when the displaced people’s tents were attacked.
The United Nations High Court International Court on Friday demanded that Israel immediately stop its attack on Rafah, even if it did not order a ceasefire for the Gaza Strip.
“Israel must stop its attack on Rafah,” said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez.
Spain, Ireland and non-EU member Norway plan to make their recognition of a Palestinian state official on Tuesday. Their joint announcement last week drew angry reactions from Israeli officials. In Tel Aviv, the ambassadors of those countries were summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry and shown a video of the October 7 Hamas attack and kidnapping.
“We reject that which is not within the practice of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Etiquette and Diplomatic Relations”, Albares said, criticizing the treatment of the ambassadors, “But at the same time we have agreed not to get into any provocation that takes us away from our goal, our aim is to recognize the Palestinian state tomorrow, To do everything possible to achieve a permanent armistice as soon as possible and finally to achieve that definite peace.”