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Hungary, Austria, warn EU against ‘double standard’ on Israel

(Israel Hayom via JNS) Hungary and Austria on Wednesday , May 20, warned their counterparts in the European Union against endorsing a double standard against Israel with regard to E.U. resolutions. Budapest and Vienna have consistently been the sole opponents of the harsh criticism expressed by E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell against the Jewish state since Israel’s government said it plans to go ahead with plans to apply Israeli law to large parts of Judea and Samaria. Borrell said last week that he will explore the option of imposing sanctions on Israel if it goes through with the move, which is endorsed by the United States.

The 27-nation European Union decides on foreign policy moves by consensus, but Borrell has repeatedly disregarded the opposition of a minority of member states to his threats against and condemnations of Israel. On Monday night, May 18, Borrell, with the support of 25  E.U. member states, issued a statement saying, “We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral decision that would lead to the annexation of any occupied Palestinian territory and would be, as such, contrary to International Law.”

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said his country rejects “prejudice” against Israel and called to hold a dialogue with the new government. According to The Jerusalem Post, Austria and Hungary urged Borrell to invite Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to the E.U. Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Friday, May 22. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Borrell’s belligerent rhetoric, saying, it does a disservice to the European Union, especially if it wants to be taken seriously by Israel and the United States. Hungary and Austria opposed Borrell’s previous statements against Israel.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft called on Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. “This council cannot dictate the end to this conflict,” she said. “We can only encourage the parties to sit down together to determine how they wish to make progress.”

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