Peace made over cocktails in Oslo

European sanctions on Israel destroy two-state delusion.

By GIDON BEN-ZVI
A stop sign is seen outside a West Bank Jewish settlement (photo credit: Reuters)
A stop sign is seen outside a West Bank Jewish settlement
(photo credit: Reuters)
Last week, the European Union initiated a directive requiring member states to boycott Israelis living in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
This decision by the EU to exclude Jewish settlements in the West Bank from any future trade agreements has effectively removed any incentive for the Palestinian Authority to resume negotiations with the Israeli government on final status issues.
Effete, privileged European diplomats have done nothing less than short circuit the process that was to lead to a resolution of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The Oslo Accords, based on bilateral negotiations, have been usurped by an out of control European superstate.
With the European Parliament having so brazenly hijacked the peace process, the appearance of a double standard can no longer be denied: has the EU taken similar steps in any other territorial dispute around the world? Where are the strongly worded condemnations of European governments against their own citizens who are seeking to build beachfront villas in Northern Cyprus - still technically under Turkish occupation?
And this latest infringement upon Israeli sovereignty is but the most searing example of a pervasive pro-Palestinian bias displayed by the European Parliament and other European Union Institutions.
Since the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993, the EU and its member states have given over four billion Euros of financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority and a variety of Palestinian NGOs. These funds were meant to develop democratic institutions as well as promote education and prosperity among Palestinians. However, a substantial portion of this European largesse has in fact done little but pad the bank accounts of corrupt Palestinian officials and even fund terrorist activities against Israel.
In a report that was recently presented to and ignored by members of the European Parliament, the reputable NGO Monitor details the damaging impact of highly secretive European Union funding for radical political advocacy Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). There is overwhelming evidence that these shadowy groups are involved in anti-Israel boycotts and violent demonstrations that undermine the EU's stated efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.
Yet, it would be a mistake to interpret the European Union’s latest foray into Palestinian state building as a betrayal of high minded ideals. Rarely in the history of nations does such a clarifying, unifying event take place. The vast majority of the Israeli public has reacted with outrage to the EU’s heavy-handed attempt to placate the Islamist powers.
Like free men and women everywhere, Israelis will not accept external ultimatums related to matters inside their country’s borders. This Israeli-Palestinian conflict can and will only be resolved via direct negotiations between the parties.
Or not at all.