Israeli FM Saar Leads EU Meeting in Brussels; Gaza Reconstruction in Focus
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is set to meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday, marking the revival of dialogue between Israel and the European Union as the bloc contemplates a role in rebuilding Gaza following last month’s ceasefire deal. Saar will co-chair the EU-Israel Association Council session with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas— the first such meeting since 2022—where discussions are expected to focus on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and evolving regional dynamics.
Israel’s ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, described the meeting as “an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the partnership between Israel and the EU.” The dialogue comes amid sharp internal EU divisions following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military response. While all EU members condemned the Hamas attacks, their views diverge on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with some defending the operation and others voicing concerns about civilian casualties.
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Earlier in February, leaders from Spain and Ireland sent a letter to the European Commission urging a review of Israel’s adherence to its human rights obligations under the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement, which underpins political and economic cooperation between the two sides. However, in anticipation of Monday’s meeting, the EU’s 27 member states have reached a compromise position that praises areas of cooperation with Israel while also raising key concerns.
According to a draft document seen by Reuters, the EU intends to stress both its commitment to Israel’s security and its support for ensuring that displaced Gazans have a safe and dignified return to their homes. The meeting also comes against the backdrop of renewed controversy following US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to “take over” Gaza—a plan that would permanently displace its Palestinian inhabitants and transform the region into the so-called “Riviera of the Middle East.”
