Israeli Foreign Minister to Meet EU Officials to Discuss Gaza Reconstruction and Regional Relations

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar is set to meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday, marking a pivotal step in the revival of dialogue between Israel and the European Union (EU). The meeting comes as the EU weighs its role in the reconstruction of Gaza following the ceasefire deal last month.

Sa'ar will co-chair a session of the EU-Israel Association Council with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the first such meeting since 2022. Discussions are expected to center around the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the evolving dynamics in the region.

The timing of the meeting is critical, as tensions have been high within the EU regarding the conflict. While all EU members condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, sharp divisions persist over Israel's military actions in Gaza. Some EU nations have staunchly defended Israel's right to self-defense, while others have condemned the scale of its military campaign and the resulting casualties in Gaza.

In February 2024, leaders from Spain and Ireland urged the European Commission to review Israel's adherence to human rights obligations under the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement. The agreement is the basis for political and economic cooperation between the two sides.

Ahead of Monday's meeting, EU member states negotiated a compromise position that praises areas of cooperation with Israel, while also voicing concerns over the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian impact. A draft document outlines the EU's commitment to Israel's security and its stance that displaced Gazans should be allowed to return to their homes in a safe and dignified manner.

The EU’s diplomatic balancing act is complicated by the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with tensions escalating over the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has stated that it will not move forward in the peace process until the next phase of prisoner exchanges is completed, while Israel has delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners until more hostages are freed.