The European Union has announced that in any agreements signed with Israel in the future, it will ban goods originating in “occupied areas”, referring to the Golan Heights, Yehuda and Shomron. The EU has announced that it regards any areas outside Green Line Israel as “occupied” and as such, it will not permit items such as Golan Winery products to be labeled “made in Israel”.

The latest EU decree only pertains to contracts signed between Israel and the EU, and it does not compel deals signed between Israel and European nations independently. In addition, the new EU decision will not impact funding for research institutes such as Hebrew University, which employees residents of “occupied areas” on its staff.

Housing Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel called the decision “tainted by racism and discrimination against the Jewish People” adding that it reminds us of the situation in Europe over 66 years earlier.

The Yesha Settlement Council commented on how the announcement came on Tisha B’Av, citing Europe’s unconditional support for the PA (Palestinian Authority) while it has a growing list of demands when it comes to standing by Israel’s side.

Meretz leader Zahava Gal-On and the Peace Now organization praised the EU decision while others in Knesset lamented the fact that instead of the EU taking a position to advance peace and coexistence between the PA and Israel, it opts to set higher barriers into place.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)