Europe’s financial, diplomatic, and military power could help create the conditions for a sequenced de-escalation in Lebanon. It is also a chance for Europe to prove its ability to act independently of the United States outside the European continent.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel reveals deep divisions within and among EU member states. These tensions are fueling both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
The world is watching how Israel is responding militarily, as well as politically, to the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Israel should be mindful not to make the same mistakes the United States made post-9/11.
In the short term, Hamas and Iran may appear to gain from the horrific events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. But the situation is volatile, and winners can quickly turn into losers.
Sidelined in the region, Europe is unlikely to have its voice heard amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation. Yet the EU’s economic leverage could prove useful in getting Israel and a new Palestinian leadership to negotiate in the longer term.
The prolonged conflict between Israel and Palestine is leading to democratic deterioration in both territories. The EU and its member states should root their responses in liberal democratic values.
The EU has enough leverage to play a positive role in the Middle East. But to make an impact, it must overcome internal divisions and stop propping up an unsustainable status quo in Israel and Palestine.
