EU cancels Israel Reception

The European Union delegation in Israel has decided to cancel its Europe Day diplomatic reception due to the involvement of Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli Minister of National Security known for his anti-Palestinian views.

The delegation cited that it did not want to provide a platform for someone whose values contradict the EU’s values. The cancellation could lead to tensions between Israel and the EU, who have already had strained relations due to Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank. Ben-Gvir is the leader of the far-right Jewish Power faction and has a history of convictions for supporting “terrorism” and inciting against Palestinians. He is considered a provocateur who advocates for the displacement of Palestinians.