Netanyahu halts EU role in peace talks over label row

Benjamin Netanyahu  photo: Reuters
Benjamin Netanyahu photo: Reuters

After the EU decided to mark Israeli products made in the West Bank, the PM suspended its role in the diplomatic process.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also serves as the foreign minister, ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday to halt dialogue with European Union bodies involved in the negotiations with the Palestinians. The directive was a response to the EU decision to mark products made beyond the Green Line.

Netanyahu ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold a reassessment of the involvement of EU institutions in all matters relating to the diplomatic talks with the Palestinians. The prime minister instructed the office to suspend all diplomatic ties with EU organizations and their representatives until the reassessment is completed.

Ministry officials clarified that Israel will still maintain correspondence and coordination with individual European states - like Germany, the UK, and France - but not with EU bodies.

Earlier in November, the European Commission decided to proceed with the labeling guidelines, adding “made in settlements” to products made by Israeli businesses operating in the West Bank. Jerusalem objected to the decision, which a number of sources said would also hurt many Palestinian workers. The EU representative in Israel was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the decision.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 30, 2015

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2015

Benjamin Netanyahu  photo: Reuters
Benjamin Netanyahu photo: Reuters
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