EU Shifts Israel Policy Amid Gaza Crisis, Reveals Diplomatic Divisions

The European Union's foreign policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has evolved significantly since the Suez Crisis in 1956, maintaining a consistent commitment to a two-state solution and international law while navigating complex shifts in alignment with Israel. The EU's approach has been shaped by the diverse national interests of its member states, historical legacies, and changing geopolitical realities, leading to internal fragmentation and challenges in presenting a unified stance. From 1956 to 2006, the EU sought a 'balanced' approach, but recent developments, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza since October 2023, have exposed the fragility of its position and prompted more critical alignments within the bloc. This evolution highlights the tension between the EU's ambitions as a global geopolitical actor and the practical difficulties in harmonizing diverse national foreign policies. The analysis underscores that the EU's engagement in the conflict remains a key indicator of its broader foreign policy coherence and effectiveness on the world stage.