In the last conversation with Politico before returning to Tel Aviv after four years spent in Brussels, the ambassador Haim Rarda appeals to the EU not to suspend Israel in the part of the research program Horizon Europe or limit trade ties. In his opinion Such a move will only bring the opposite effect and deprive Europe of any potential role in shaping the future of the Middle East. The attempt to put pressure on Israel “has never worked and will never work,” says Rardew
– Now we are at the point where the EU or some of its elements want to suspend part of the horizon program or anything else. I'm not worried about [wpływ] economic or effect. I'm worried about the message that will be sentand then I am afraid that everything we have built over the past few years will fall – sums up the ambassador.
In recent weeks, relations between Israel and the EU have worsened. This is the result of the growing criticism of Benjamin Netanyhu's government on the part of some European leaders in connection with the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Continued article under video material
The European Commission warned about the upcoming hunger defeat in the gas area. Proposed suspension of a part of the association agreement between the EU and Israelregarding research and development, after finding that Israel has violated its obligations in the scope of human rights. However, this proposal has been blocked so far, because Germany does not want to support the punishment of Israel in this way.
Rardew, who personally signed the horizon contract, hopes that it will not be suspended and He believes that there will be not enough support from EU countries for sharper activitiesincluding breaking some trade relations with Israel.
He admits that the support of the EU for Israel reached the “peak” after Hamas' attacks of October 7, 2023 and The encement was erosion, the longer the war lasted. – We are at the turning point when it comes to what direction the EU wants to develop these relations – he says.
Recent discussions between the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas and the Foreign Minister of Israel Gideon Saar about the humanitarian situation built trust and helped to consolidate the “strong” basis of relations, says the ambassador. He warns, however, that The suspension of a part of the agreement with an association would destroy all this good will.
– Basically, we are a dream neighbor for the EU – says Rardew. – We are a democracy, we have no problem with migration, gay rights. It's a dream. In the end, Israel is the only player in the region that directly serves the interests of the EU.
In Brussels, many can't see it that way. While the regime claims that he has always been in good relations with key players in the committee, Some EU employees threaten to strike in protest against the situation of the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians in a queue for water. Gaza, August 15, 2025Hamza ZH Qraiqea, Anadol / Abacapress.com / PAP
Also, members of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen are divided into the right way of reaction. Some of them They speak more and more often against Israeli plans towards the Gaza Stripin this proposal Netanyahu regarding the full military occupation of this territory.
“Old anti -Semitism” returns to Europe
Rarda says that Israel was “very disappointed” by the fact that the Netherlands joined a group of very critical countries this year. However, it was particularly dissatisfied with the recent decision of Germany to ban the export of weapons, which could be used in the Gaza Strip. – We don't accept it. We do not think that this is a step that Germany should take. Finally, Europe knows the history of Israel, especially Jews, says Rardev.
– The increase in anti -Semitism is something that is also very disturbing us. We see numbers. Being a Jew has become dangerous here. Many things are blamed. We return to the old days. Some of them are new anti -Semitism, some are old anti -Semitism. And this is not safe – sums up the ambassador.
According to numerous studies and statements, including EU and UN bodies, In recent years, a high or growing number of anti -Semitic incidents in Europe has been reported.
According to the Ambassador, the critic of Israel in connection with the war in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of Palestinians is “Used by some” to carry out attacks on Jews in Europe. – Every time someone says something, it has its consequences – he emphasizes.
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