The spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry described Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday as «disproportionate». Pascal Confavreux said France could not rule out reopening talks on suspending the EU-Israel association agreement. This stance follows recent events in Lebanon and the West Bank.
Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, stated on Thursday that «Israel of course has the right to defend itself, but its actions are not only unacceptable but also disproportionate» following strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday.
He added that, given the gravity of these events and the situation in the West Bank with settler actions, «one cannot exclude that the discussion on suspending the association agreement between the European Union and Israel will reopen», alongside possible national sanctions.
The agreement, in force since 2000, promotes political dialogue and trade exchanges. Any suspension requires unanimity among the 27 EU member states.
Last year, the EU began reviewing the deal due to the Gaza escalation, at the request of countries like the Netherlands. A European Commission report found Israel in violation of Article 2 on human rights. Germany opposed any full suspension.
