EU recognition of Palestine inevitable if Israel 'steals' West Bank: Luxembourg

Luxembourg has decried Israel’s controversial plan to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank as “stealing”, stressing that such a move would make the EU's recognition of the state of Palestine "inevitable".

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told German weekly Der Spiegel that the United Nations Security Council has taken a clear position, and declared Israeli settlements illegal in several resolutions, stressing that Israel’s annexation plan amounts to “stealing”.  

Asselborn called for a tougher EU stance against Israel’s annexation plan, saying, "To write reproachful letters would be a humiliation for the EU and would significantly weaken its credibility."

He suggested economic sanctions or the recognition of Palestine as a state in case Israel moves forward with its plan.

"The recognition of Palestine; this debate would gain a whole new dynamic. I would even consider it inevitable," Asselborn said, noting that such a decision would not require a unanimous decision by all 27 member states.

Nine EU member states, including Sweden, Hungary, and Poland, have already recognized the state of Palestine.

"If others were to follow, it would likely achieve much more than economic sanctions," Asselborn said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he would start plans for annexing more areas in the occupied West Bank on July 1 in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s scheme.

Trump officially unveiled his scheme in January at the White House with Netanyahu on his side, while Palestinian representatives were not invited.

ME