
Israel and Europe: An Expanding Abyss?
Summary
This document explores the complex and strained relationship between Europe and Israel, examining the historical, political, and societal factors contributing to the widening gap between their views. It delves into European strategic errors, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the role of media and NGOs in shaping negative perceptions of Israel.
Top Questions and Answers
Q: What are the main strategic errors Europe has made that have negatively impacted its relationship with Israel?
A: Europe's major strategic errors include its reluctance to take responsibility for its own defense against totalitarian Communism, its excessive dependence on Arab oil, and its reliance on immigrants from Muslim countries. These errors have led to a mindset that negatively affects its relationship with Israel.
Q: How has Europe acted against Israel in international forums?
A: Europe has acted against Israel through voting for one-sided UN resolutions, issuing political statements from the EU and member countries, and funding NGOs hostile to Israel. This has created a pattern of discriminatory criticism.
Q: What is the role of the media in shaping European perceptions of Israel?
A: Many European media outlets consistently take extreme anti-Israeli positions, often relaying news without verifying its truth. They frequently use the same pictures, creating a distorted image of Israel as a Goliath against a weak Palestinian David.
Q: How does the document describe the connection between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism?
A: The document argues that denigrations of Israel and Jews are interlinked. It highlights the resurgence of European anti-Semitism, which often manifests as 'new anti-Semitism' targeting Israel under the guise of anti-Zionism.
Q: What is the significance of the International Court of Justice's ruling on Israel's security fence?
A: The International Court of Justice's ruling that the right of self-defense only exists if one is confronted by a state is seen as problematic, as it ignores the reality of non-state actors like Al Qaeda. It also highlights a double standard in how international law is applied to Israel.
Q: What are some of the ways the European Union has been accused of funding anti-Israeli activities?
A: The European Union has been accused of funding anti-Israeli bodies such as the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) and of providing donations to the Palestinian Authority that have been used for terrorism. It has also been criticized for funding NGOs that promote anti-Semitism.
Q: How does the document explain the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe?
A: The document suggests that the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe is linked to the psychological need to reattach evil to the Jews, this time to the Jewish state, as well as to the influence of Muslim immigration and the demonization of Israel in the media.
Q: What is the concept of 'salon anti-Israelism' as described in the document?
A: 'Salon anti-Israelism' refers to the phenomenon where criticizing Israel has become common and politically correct in elite social gatherings, often used as a substitute for anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism.
Q: What does the document suggest about the future of European-Israeli relations?
A: The document suggests that Israel needs to develop a strategy to uncover European duplicity and engage in a more intensive dialogue with Europe. It also emphasizes the need for Israel to take the initiative to limit the damage caused by European injustice without endangering its vital interests.
Q: What does the document say about the role of France in the anti-Israeli bias in Europe?
A: The document highlights France's key role in Europe's anti-Israeli bias, noting that while France helped Israel in the past, President Charles de Gaulle took a pro-Arab direction and imposed a weapons embargo on the Middle East. His verbal attacks against Israel sometimes included anti-Semitic statements.