Israel is merely paying 'lip service' to 2-state solution, complains EU envoy

Lars Faaborg-Andersen does not rule out steps against Israel after passage of Regulation Law, announcement of 6,000 new settler homes

The European Union’s top envoy to Israel on Wednesday did not rule out punitive measures against Israel in the wake of the controversial Regulation Law.

“Well, we’ll have to see about that,” Ambassador Lars Faaborg-Andersen told The Times of Israel when asked whether the union would suffice with the sharp criticism leveled Tuesday by the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, or whether Jerusalem should brace itself for additional steps.

“We put out a statement now and then we’ll have to see what other measures we might follow up with. I am not privy to any knowledge at this point in time,” Faaborg-Andersen said.

On Monday night, the Knesset passed the controversial legislation in its final readings, 60 to 52. The law, which is likely to be overturned by the High Court of Justice, would retroactively legalize Israeli West Bank outposts built on private Palestinian land.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, holds a press conference with the Lebanese foreign minister after their meeting in Beirut on January 26, 2017. (AFP/Joseph Eid)

The law has been widely criticized by the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, France, Britain, Turkey and the Arab League. Even some Israeli right-wingers opposed the law, including members of the governing coalition who voted in favor of it. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has said he cannot defend it in the High Court.

Speaking on the sidelines of a diplomatic seminar in the Knesset, Lars Faaborg-Andersen said the EU was “very concerned” about the legislation, calling it a “very drastic measure” that distanced prospects for peace and could even lead to unrest in the region.

“There are a number of worrying elements, including the fact that the Knesset is exceeding its authority by legislating in an area in which it doesn’t really have a mandate, in which it doesn’t really have any authority.”

A picture taken on February 5, 2017 from the West Bank city of Hebron shows a Palestinian boy riding a horse, with the Israeli settlement of Givat Harsina appearing in the background. / AFP PHOTO / HAZEM BADER — A picture taken on February 5, 2017, from the West Bank city of Hebron shows a Palestinian boy riding a horse, with the Israeli settlement of Givat Harsina appearing in the background. (AFP PHOTO / HAZEM BADER)

Together with Israel’s recent announcement of plans to build some 6,000 housing units across the West Bank, this law was another indication of Jerusalem’s lack of readiness “to pay more than lip service to the idea of negotiations about a two-state solution,” he added.

“Certainly, these steps are moving in the opposite direction. And we’re worried about it. We’re also worried about keeping stability on the ground, and I don’t think these measures are very helpful in that regard, either.”