The President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, has found herself in the crossfire of Palestinian criticism after she praised the democracy created by the Israelis while congratulating Israel on its 75th anniversary, writes Politico.
In a congratulatory video released by the European Union, von der Leyen called Israel a “thriving democracy in the heart of the Middle East.” The Palestinian Foreign Ministry was particularly offended by the EC chairwoman’s comment that Israel has “made the desert bloom”. The ministry accused von der Leyen of spreading propaganda and said in a statement: “Palestine rejects the inappropriate, false and discriminatory remarks of the European Commission president, especially the anti-Palestinian racist comment about the ‘blooming of the desert’ linked to Israel’s expanding colonization project.”
Von der Leyen visited Israel last June and has praised EU-Israel relations. She said that the EU and Israel have a common ground and pointed out: “Your freedom is also our freedom.”
The Palestinian Foregn Ministry stated that the
president’s statements threaten the foundations of the EU
and cast doubt on the bloc’s commitment to international legislation and human rights.
Israel is currently embroiled in political strife after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for reforms to the justice system. This plan ignited widespread protests and riots in the country, and the Prime Minister’s actions were also condemned by the international community.
At the beginning of the year, it was reported that the High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Josep Borrell, was refused a visit to Israel. Borel’s spokesman declined to confirm the information and said it was an internal Israeli government matter.
The EC is not the only institution that has celebrated the 75th anniversary of Israel. It was also commemorated by several countries around the world, including Lithuania, Poland and the US.
Read also: Netanyahu postpones Israeli justice reform
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