The European Union will launch a diplomatic offensive to prevent Israel from continuing its plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, the head of European diplomacy announced Friday.
Read also: Israel: EU seeks response to annexation policy
Spaniard Josep Borrell said EU plans to use "all diplomatic capacity" to try to dissuade new Israeli government from going ahead with project approved under Middle East peace plan from US President Donald Trump.
EU countries are concerned about the consequences of an annexation which they believe would violate international law and harm the chances of peace. But they are divided on what to do against Israel.
"The positions within the EU are different," recalls Josep Borrell. However, all sanctions require unanimity. "We are not at the stage of talking about sanctions," he insists. "What everyone has agreed on is the need to increase our efforts and pressures with all the stakeholders in the Middle East," he told the resulting from a videoconference with EU foreign ministers.
Read also: Pompeo blows hot and cold in Israel
"We are ready to do it and we will do it in the coming days using all our diplomatic capabilities to prevent any kind of unilateral action ," he said. The EU wants to speak with Washington, the Arab countries, Israel and the Palestinians, he said.
The new Israeli government will be sworn in on Sunday. It is the result of a power-sharing agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz.
Read also: Israel: "Bibi the magician" keeps his hand
Some EU countries are pushing for a hard line against Israel. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn pleads for recognition of a Palestinian state. Others, however, advocate caution and dialogue with Israel, which is considered an important partner of the EU in the Middle East.
"We are in dialogue with the responsible parties, including in Israel," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "We have always made it clear that we are committed to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution, and that we believe that annexations are not compatible with international law ," he said.
