Recent discussions between the EU\u2019s top diplomat Kaja Kallas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa\u2019ar on the humanitarian situation had built trust and helped consolidate a \u201cstrong\u201d foundation to the relationship, he said, warning that suspending parts of the association agreement would destroy all that goodwill.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are basically a dream for the EU of a neighboring country,\u201d Regev said. \u201cWe are a democracy, there is no issue with migration, gay rights. It\u2019s a dream,\u201d he said. \u201cAt the end of the road Israel is the only player in the region that serves directly the interests of the EU.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The European Commission has warned of an unfolding famine in Gaza and proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement dealing with research and development after concluding that Israel had breached its human rights obligations under the deal. | Khames Alrefi\/Anadolu via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Inside Brussels, many don\u2019t see it that way. While Regev argues that he has always been on good terms with key players inside the Commission, some EU staff are threatening to strike<\/a> in protest over Gaza.\u00a0<\/p>\n Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s team of commissioners are also split over the right way to respond, with some increasingly speaking out<\/a> against Israeli plans for Gaza, including Netanyahu\u2019s proposal for full military occupation of the territory.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Old antisemitism\u2019 is back<\/p>\n