The EU’s approach to Israel and the Palestinians: A move in the right direction

Divisions amongst Palestinians and the reluctance of the new Israeli government to work towards a viable two-state solution weaken the prospects for peace in the Middle East. Nevertheless the EU should do its utmost to support US efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table. The EU should embrace Israel with ‘tough love’ – it should make clear that it is keen to deepen bilateral relations and provide full assistance for peace talks, but insist on the need for Israel to fully recommit to the peace process. In addition the EU should more actively support Palestinian reconciliation and consider suspending its assistance to Palestinian police forces until a unity government is formed to avoid deepening divisions between Hamas and Fatah.