EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has invited the new Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to come to Brussels to have an exchange of views with the 27 EU Foreign Ministers "as soon as conditions allow", writes

This was the first time the two leader spoke since the formation of the new unity government in Israel.

During the phone call, Borrell congratulated Minister Ashkenazi on his appointment and recalled that the EU ‘’looks forward to continue working with the new Israeli government in a constructive and comprehensive way, in the spirit of the longstanding friendship that binds the EU and Israel together,’’ says a statement.

‘The two ‘’had an honest and open exchange of views on a broad range of bilateral and regional issues,’’ the statement added.

Borrell underlined the EU’s unequivocal commitment to the security of the State of Israel, which, he said, ‘’ is not negotiable for the EU.’’

He also reaffirmed the EU’s intention ‘’to address jointly issues of mutual interest and concern and to work with Israel to promote global peace and security and to contribute to building trust, in particular in the region and the immediate neighbourhood.’’

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The EU’s top diplomat underlined the broad and deep nature of the mutual relationship, with its strong political, historic and cultural ties.

He expressed the willingness to carry forward the EU-Israel cooperation in a number of areas and invited Minister Ashkenazi to come to Brussels to continue their exchange of views with fellow Ministers ‘’as soon as conditions allow.’’

They agreed to remain in close contact.


Gabi Ashkenazi, the new Israeli foreign minister

Last week, the Israeli foreign ministry criticized what it called the European Union’s “megaphone diplomacy’’ after Borrell issued a statement in which he congratulated the new Israeli government but also urged Israel ro 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.’’

“Israel and the EU share history, values, interests, opportunities and both face threats. It is regrettable that once again, the security of Israel, a key partner of the EU, and the threats that Israel face, were not mentioned at all and were not given the centrality that they should be in such a message,” said Lior Hayat, the Israeli foreign ministry spokesman.

As he took office two weeks go, Gabi Ashkenazi  devlered a message in which he said: ‘’I look forward to continuing a meaningful dialogue with our allies in Europe to develop our relations and cooperate on the many international challenges.’’

‘’Israel and Europe are important partners and I am sure that the relations we share will be fruitful and beneficial for both sides,’’ he said.

The issue of annexation was the main topic discussed two weeks ago during a video conference of the 27 EU Foreign Ministers which reportedly showed a split between member states eager to already take measures against any annexation plan by Israel and those who rather advocate a dialogue and enhanced relations with the new Israeli government.