The European Union has rejected accusations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it interferes in Israeli legislation, Arab48.com reported on Friday.
The EU Mission is Israel said:
“The way that Israel defines itself is an internal issue, we respect the internal discussions. However, Democracy and equality are basic values that define our societies… We do not accept, the EU, to see these values doubted or threatened.”
'The respect for human rights and fundamental principles are a key part of the EU-Israel partnership,' EU sayshttps://t.co/tjv6W5phq3
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) July 14, 2018
According to Haaretz, the EU added,
“We will never use abject language in general, and we will not use it regarding laws being discussed in the Knesset.”
On Thursday, Netanyahu ordered the Foreign Ministry to summon the EU representative to be reprimanded over alleged remarks and efforts to undermine the passing of the “Nationality Bill”, which stipulates the establishment of Jew-only towns.
Breaking: EU Delegation responds to Netanyahu's order to reprimand EU Ambassador over nation-state bill ‘interfering’: ‘Across the world and as every diplomatic service we engage with members from all parties to discuss a wide range of issues’ ?? pic.twitter.com/GtYyudGlUj
— Noa Landau (@noa_landau) July 13, 2018
EU Ambassador in Tel Aviv Emanuele Giaufret commented:
“The law stinks of racism, and it discriminates against various groups, particularly Arabs, and weakens the values Israel tries to uphold.”
Netanyahu responded:
“It is not enough that the EU finances NGOs that strive to undermine the State of Israel and finances illegal construction [by Palestinians]. It is now interfering with Israeli legislation. Apparently, they do not understand that Israel is a sovereign state.”
https://t.co/Nhwak7Tpd7
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ordered the Foreign Ministry to summon and reprimand European Union Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret for lobbying some Israeli lawmakers against the proposed nation-state law.— Fredrik Wadman (@FredrikWadman) July 13, 2018
Regarding its relations with Israeli parliamentarians, the EU Mission said that they are no different to the relations of any diplomatic mission in the world with host diplomats and politicians.
It also pointed out that Netanyahu himself meets with politicians and diplomats of other countries, mainly the US, with the intention of being able to influence their policies.
(MEMO, PC, Social Media)
