Czechia moves to shield Israel from EU sanctions - Foreign Ministry
European Parliament session (Photo: Getty Images)
Czechia is ready to enter into an open conflict with the EU to protect Israel from economic pressure. Prague plans to block any attempts to introduce trade restrictions or suspend strategic agreements, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka made a strong statement during a visit by his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, to Prague. Czechia will not allow the EU-Israel Association Agreement to be suspended, either in whole or in part.
“The Czech Republic will stand by Israel from this moment on; we will not allow any more trade sanctions, even if we have to block it as a single country," Petr Macinka declared.
The Czech government plans to form groups of like-minded countries on issues where decisions are taken by qualified majority. The goal is to stop any aggressive steps by the EU that could harm Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar supported his Czech counterparts. He sharply criticized certain European capitals for trying to sever ties with Jerusalem. In his opinion, certain left-wing governments are attempting to impose a radical position on the entire bloc.
The Israeli minister believes that such a policy plays into the hands of terrorist regimes in the region. He directly asked whether Europe's true allies are the Islamic regime in Iran and Palestinian terrorism. Sa'ar is convinced that Czechia does not support such a path.
Why Israel matters to the EU
Friendly relations with Jerusalem bring real dividends to Europe. This concerns not only politics but also security and technology.
Sa'ar highlighted several key areas:
- Joint work in the security sector;
- Development of high technologies;
- Stable economic ties.
He called on allies within the EU not to allow the organization to be dragged into anti-Israeli sentiment. This goes against Europe's own interests. Prague has made it clear that it will stand guard over these interests to the end, the article concludes.
Context of the Czech statement on sanctions
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced that the EU would impose sanctions on several Israeli settlers who committed acts of violence against Palestinians.
The agreement also provided for sanctions against leading Hamas figures.
Additionally, last year the European Commission proposed punitive measures against Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip.
