Benjamin Netanyahu cited the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, launching a fierce attack on the European Union for its stance on Israel’s plans to build new housing units in the West Bank.
In a post on X, the Israeli prime minister thanked his Slovenian counterpart, Janez Janša, for his “courage and clarity,” following the Slovenian government’s decision to block the issuance of a joint statement by the 27 EU member states opposing Israel’s E1 settlement plan.
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“The EU remains silent when Turkey, a NATO member, illegally occupies half of Cyprus—an EU member state. But when the Jewish people want to exercise their historic right to build and live on their ancestral land, the EU is outraged,” Netanyahu wrote.
Addressing Janša, he added, “You reminded everyone that Slovenia is a sovereign state and an equal member of the EU. This is not a provocation. It is a right that some wish to deny. Thank you, Janez, for your determination and leadership.”
What led up to this: Slovenia’s “no”
The controversy began after the Israeli government announced a tender for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem.
According to the European position, implementing the plan would effectively bisect the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem, further complicating the creation of a viable Palestinian state. The EU considers the settlements illegal under international law.
Slovenia, however, did not agree to issue a joint statement, thereby blocking the required unanimity. As a result, the condemnation was made public on August 23 by EU High Representative Kaia Kallas, without the signatures of all 27 member states.
The decision also sparked a political conflict within Slovenia. The country’s president, Natasa Pirc Musar, criticized the government, arguing that international law cannot be applied at will. Jansa responded that Slovenia is a sovereign and equal state and that without its consent, there can be no unified European position on foreign policy.
“We are the ones who make decisions, not slaves,” he said emphatically, drawing applause from Netanyahu.
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Source: PROTO THEMA
