Europe's political shift: War moves gravity center away from 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The New York Times
23 May 2024 15:59
1 Shares

The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Spain, Ireland, and Norway underscores the shifting political landscape in Europe.

Listen

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators hold signs and wave flags during a rally in Brussels, January 21, 2024. (AP)

In Europe, which has traditionally been a key supporter of "Israel", the political alignment is shifting away from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, The New York Times contended in a news analysis on Thursday.

Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized Palestinian statehood on Wednesday, which will take effect on May 28, despite strong opposition from "Israel" and the United States. Additionally, most European governments expressed firm support for the International Criminal Court after it issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and security minister, as well as Palestinian Resistance leaders.

Perceptions shift: 'Israel' seen more as an aggressor

"Israel" continues to have strong allies within the European Union, particularly Hungary and the Czech Republic. Key nations like Germany, although increasingly uneasy about "Israel’s" actions, have not indicated any shift in their position. Despite emerging divisions, the consensus-driven nature of the EU means its stance is unlikely to change in the near future.

However, European countries are experiencing growing international and domestic pressure to adopt a tougher stance against "Israel's" policies in occupied Palestinian territories, especially concerning the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Before the war, Europe was moving closer to "Israel" through financially and politically significant partnerships in trade and science. However, the war and its developments are shifting this dynamic, as per the analysis.

The sympathetic views that bolstered European support for "Israel" after October 7 are diminishing as the Israeli war on Gaza drags on, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and "Israel looks to many people less like a victim and more like an aggressor," the analysis contended.

The big picture

On Wednesday, Ireland and Spain, both European Union members, along with Norway, which is closely aligned with the EU, took a significant step by recognizing Palestinian statehood. This move, although expected and with limited practical impact, represents a sharp rebuke to "Israel", the analysis stressed.

These three European nations have consistently voiced their criticism of "Israel" and their support for the Palestinian cause.

If more European countries follow this example, the European Union could emerge as a major counterbalance to the US stance that Palestinian statehood should only result from a negotiated agreement with "Israel". This shift would further deepen the rift between Europe and "Israel", as per The New York Times.