Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s steadfast opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, the European Union’s Middle East peace envoy, Sven Koopmans, remains confident that a two-state solution is achievable. In an interview with AFP, Koopmans asserted that with the ongoing Gaza war and Israel’s reliance on international support, Netanyahu’s government cannot indefinitely disregard European perspectives on resolving the conflict.
Netanyahu and several members of his right-wing government vehemently oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, a position that many argue has become even more pressing in light of Hamas’s October 7 attacks that ignited the devastating war. “I think that recently he was very explicit about rejecting the two-state solution,” Koopmans stated. “Now, that means that he has a different point of view from much of the rest of the world.”
However, Koopmans maintains that one side’s rejection of a desired outcome should not impede efforts to seek a resolution. Last month, the European Union invited Israel to discuss the situation in Gaza and human rights concerns. Following a period of negotiation, Israel agreed to a meeting scheduled for after July 1, when Hungary, a staunch supporter of Netanyahu’s government, assumed the EU presidency. “It is important that we have that discussion,” Koopmans emphasized. “I am sure that in such a meeting, there will be very substantive discussions about what we expect from our partner Israel. “And that relates to things that we do not see at present.”
Koopmans highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, deeming it “completely unacceptable” that thousands of aid trucks are waiting at the border. He also expressed deep concern regarding the escalation of Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, classifying some attacks as “genuine terrorism.”
Appointed as the special representative for the peace process in 2021, Koopmans underscored the European Union’s role as one of the most ardent advocates for a two-state solution. His work is guided by the EU’s 1980 declaration recognizing “the right to existence and to security” for Israel and “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” This declaration explicitly identified Israeli settlements on Palestinian land as “a serious obstacle to the peace process.”
While acknowledging the existing divisions within the 27-member bloc regarding the Middle East conflict, Koopmans stressed the importance of the EU’s collective voice. He emphasized the bloc’s significant influence, citing its status as Israel’s largest trading partner and the top aid donor to the Palestinians. “We are the biggest political neighbour to both of them. Of course, we are not the biggest security provider, let’s be honest. But we are a big and relevant actor.”
Koopmans prioritized ending the suffering in Gaza, preventing a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and reviving the peace process to establish “a free state of Palestine living alongside a safe and secure Israel.” He acknowledged the diverse perspectives within the EU regarding the Middle East, highlighting the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and non-EU member Norway. Conversely, Hungary and the Czech Republic have actively opposed EU sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
The Palestinian state recognitions, while met with strong disapproval from Israel, are seen by Koopmans as a potential step towards a resolution. The European Union also plays a crucial role in supporting the Palestinian Authority, which many countries believe Israel seeks to weaken. “We want to see the PA thrive. We want it to have an ability to govern in an effective and legitimate manner,” Koopmans explained. “We want to strengthen the PA also so that it can again take over in Gaza when the time is there.”
The European Union engaged in discussions with foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in May, and Koopmans reported “positive reactions” to their proposed solutions.
