Instead of looking inward: Europe escalates its attack on Israel

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a speech to the European Parliament, attacked the Israeli government over its promotion of construction in the E1 area, calling the project "illegal" and "unacceptable," and reiterated harsh accusations against Israel in Gaza and the West Bank. She expressed frustration over the lack of unity within the European Union on the issue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday, attacked the Israeli government over its promotion of construction in the E1 area, a strategic space between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. Von der Leyen called the project "illegal" and "unacceptable," and reiterated harsh accusations against Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, including describing "the deep suffering in Gaza" and "unrestrained settler violence in the West Bank." Alongside this, she said that Europe supports Israel's right to self-defense, but added that Palestinians have "an equal right to live in security and dignity." She expressed frustration over the division within the European Union on the issue of Israel, saying that "when Europe is divided, it cannot change the course of events." The attack joins growing European pressure, including British measures against settlements. The article frames these statements as a European attack on Israel, using terms like "attack" and "European intervention" to describe policy positions.