From Foreign Policy · Azriel Bermant · · 3m
Europe’s Chance to Revive Middle East Peace
Europe steps in as U.S. withdraws from Middle East peace efforts.
In brief
Europe steps in as U.S. withdraws from Middle East peace efforts. European nations are taking leadership in Middle East peace talks after U.S. inaction on Gaza settlements and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
European sanctions target Israel
The British government announced sanctions on West Bank settlements, backed by Canada and 11 European nations, marking the sharpest crisis between Western allies and Israel in decades.
Israel’s reaction to sanctions
Israel accused Britain’s Labour government of appeasing its hard left and domestic Muslim voters, ordering British representatives out of the Gaza support center, and closing the historic British consulate in East Jerusalem.
Political timing of sanctions
The sanctions were politically motivated, timed to pacify Labour’s left flank ahead of the party conference starting on Sept. 27.
European coalition’s stance
Canada and 11 European nations are unlikely to act from identical domestic political motives, making it harder for Israel to challenge the sanctions.
U.S. Senate Democrats’ legislation
U.S. Senate Democrats introduced legislation to sanction Israeli individuals and companies involved in the controversial E1 project, a new settlement that critics argue would cut off the West Bank from East Jerusalem.
Historical parallel to 1980s
The current crisis mirrors the 1980 Carter administration crisis, where the U.S. was mired in an Iran crisis and focused on peace talks with Israel.
Carter’s Palestinian homeland stance
Carter was the first U.S. president to openly advocate for a Palestinian 'homeland,' a term considered controversial at the time.
1979 Camp David negotiations
During Carter’s final year, he remained committed to negotiations between Israel and Palestinians over autonomy, though the promised autonomy was limited to administrative control.
Venice Declaration 1980
In June 1980, the European Economic Community unveiled the Venice Declaration, recognizing Palestinian self-determination and including the PLO in peace negotiations despite its terrorism.
Israeli reaction to Venice Declaration
Israel’s ambassador in London described European policy as motivated by 'narrow self interest involving the supply of oil and the disgraceful surrender to the dictates of Arab oil producers.'
European energy concerns
British officials suggested that European countries adopting a more sympathetic stance on Palestinian autonomy could win favor in the Arab world and protect European energy interests.
Geopolitical motivations
Europe believed the unresolved conflict fueled regional instability to the benefit of Islamic radicalism and an increasingly aggressive Soviet Union.
Reagan’s initial response
Reagan’s administration initially supported Israel’s military operation in Lebanon but later faced criticism over the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
Bush’s leadership in 1991
George H.W. Bush convened the Madrid Peace Conference after Iraq’s defeat in 1991, demonstrating U.S. leadership in the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s current election
With an Israeli election barely less than a month away, Netanyahu faces growing pressure from a rightward shift in voter sentiment.
Trump’s Gaza plan fading
The Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan appears to be fading amid distractions from the Iran quagmire and U.S. midterm elections.
European leadership opportunity
Europe now has a unique opportunity to step in and revive Middle East peace efforts as U.S. focus shifts elsewhere.
What to remember
European nations are taking leadership in Middle East peace talks after U.S. inaction on Gaza settlements and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
