Leaders of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus joined prominent members of the European Parliament for a discussion on Israel’s international legal status.
The European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), in collaboration with the Israel Allies Foundation, hosted the event, which was held both in person and online for those who could attend (IAF).
It was held in the aftermath of the Belgian government’s announcement last week that Israeli products from Judea and Samaria will be labelled.
“It’s very vital to come together in Brussels with Christian MPs who have long been friends of Israel to encourage them to speak out in the international arena,” KCAC Assistant Director Sharon Weinstein said.
Participants also debated the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian problem, with Andrew Tucker, author of the book “Israel on Trial,” giving an impassioned speech.
Tucker disputed the EU’s demand that Israel recognise a Palestinian Authority-run state.
“Our multidisciplinary analysis investigates the policy’s origins and evolution over four decades, analyses legal difficulties, and considers the larger regional context,” Tucker added. “From a legal standpoint, we conclude that the EU’s policies are politically motivated and highly contested.
“The exact remedy demanded by the EU is not mandated by international law,” he stated. “The EU is pursuing a one-sided policy that runs counter to the parties’ commitments.” Perhaps most concerning, it appears to be unconcerned about current events in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East. It’s time to take a different strategy.”
MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, the Chairman of the EU Israel Allies Caucus, made a similar argument: “The EU’s ongoing call for a two-state solution based on 1967 boundaries does not do justice to the complicated circumstances in this region or the Oslo Accords,” he stated. “Only by confronting and acknowledging this reality can serious peace efforts succeed.”
Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana, co-chairs of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus MKs Yuli Edelstein and Sharren Haskel, and KCAC member MK Gila Gamliel were among the Israeli delegation.
“It’s critical that these European politicians understand Israel’s legal and moral justifications for its actions, particularly because they are frequently exposed to anti-Israel discourse,” Kahana said. “As a former IDF soldier in the special forces unit, where I served alongside Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, and as a former fighter pilot and squadron commander, I can share with complete confidence that the security actions taken by the Israeli government stem from both our commitment to Israel as a Jewish state and our commitment to protect the democratic rights of all people.”
Those who “truly want a better future for the people of this region and to put an end to human rights abuses like those inflicted on Gaza and neighbouring regions by Hamas” should “move beyond empty rhetoric and unproductive ideas that have yet to yield any benefits for Palestinian society,” according to Haskel.
“We can only hope for a better future in this region, particularly for Palestinians, if we recognise who the true aggressors and criminals are.” “Israel aspires to be a beacon unto the nations and to achieve a better future not only for its own people but for the entire world,” she said.
The KCAC was founded in 2007 and is made up of 20 Knesset members representing eight different political parties. The caucus attempts to foster direct dialogue between Knesset members and Christian leaders, organisations, and political figures around the world.
The caucus is part of the Israel Allies Foundation, an umbrella organisation that oversees the operations of 50 caucuses throughout the world.
