Scale of death and destruction in Gaza, and the violence of settlers in the West Bank, has shifted public opinion in the EU
In Israel, it can seem like only one other place really matters. Washington DC is on the other side of the world but provides Israel with weapons, the backing of the most powerful military in the world, and a critical diplomatic shield in forums like the United Nations.
Yet the country’s economy is bound far more closely to Europe than to the United States. A third of its trade is with the European Union, key academic work is supported by grants from the EU’s multi-billion dollar Horizon research fund, and it is the top destination for Israelis who want to travel.
“Geography doesn’t change, and not having any partners apart from UAE in the region means Europe will always be the gateway. The US will always be 8,000km away,” said one western diplomat.
These ties have never translated into much political clout for Europe though, in part because the continent has long been hobbled by divisions over policy on Israel.
