The recognition of a Palestinian state remains a highly divisive issue among European governments. Even if EU member states reached consensus, the value of such a move would be largely symbolic.
The world is watching how Israel is responding militarily, as well as politically, to the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Israel should be mindful not to make the same mistakes the United States made post-9/11.
In the short term, Hamas and Iran may appear to gain from the horrific events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. But the situation is volatile, and winners can quickly turn into losers.
Sidelined in the region, Europe is unlikely to have its voice heard amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation. Yet the EU’s economic leverage could prove useful in getting Israel and a new Palestinian leadership to negotiate in the longer term.
The prolonged conflict between Israel and Palestine is leading to democratic deterioration in both territories. The EU and its member states should root their responses in liberal democratic values.
The EU has enough leverage to play a positive role in the Middle East. But to make an impact, it must overcome internal divisions and stop propping up an unsustainable status quo in Israel and Palestine.
The EU’s hollow statements expressing “concern” over the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflagration will not deter either party. Unless the Europeans use what little leverage they have, they can forget about having a strategic role in the region.
