EU cancels Israel reception over extremist minister’s participation

Washington: The European Union (EU) said on Monday that it was cancelling its Europe Day reception in Tel Aviv after the extremist Israeli minister representing the government stood firm in his intention to participate.

In a statement, the EU delegation to Israel said it would still celebrate Europe Day on Tuesday but regretted that “this year we have decided to cancel the diplomatic reception, as we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the European Union stands for.”

Reports began emerging in Israeli media on Sunday about the EU’s discontent over National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s being the government representative to the Tel Aviv reception.

Israeli government officials confirmed on Monday that Ben-Gvir “was designated (by the government) to attend the EU event”. Ben-Gvir, who has a history of inflammatory remarks about Palestinians, was charged more than 50 times in his youth with incitement to violence or hate speech. He was convicted in 2007 of supporting a terrorist group and inciting racism.

He has advocated annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he lives in a Jewish settlement. Such settlements are considered illegal under international law.

Ben-Gvir, head of the far-right Jewish Power party, issued a statement saying he was the assigned representative, and had “confirmed his arrival”. He also provided details on the speech he planned to deliver at the diplomatic reception.