EU Cancels Israeli Europe Day Reception Over Ben-Gvir Attendance
The Facts
On Monday, the EU delegation in Israel announced the cancellation of a diplomatic reception to mark Europe Day in Tel Aviv due to take place on Tuesday over concerns the country's right-wing national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, would be in attendance as Israel's official representative.
Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power party in Pres. Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, is a settler in the West Bank and is known for his hardline views. He has past convictions for support for "terrorism" and incitement against Palestinians.
The Spin
Narrative A
Though Israel has seen months of demonstrations to preserve its democratic order, the EU avoided publicly criticizing Israel so as not to interfere in the internal debate. Yet, as repayment for its diplomacy, Israel assigned the far-right racist Ben-Gvir to represent it at the Europe Day event. It was about time for the EU to stand up for its values and say no to Ben-Gvir's attendance.
Narrative B
It is outrageous that the European Union, a self-styled bastion of democracy, has canceled the Europe Day reception in Tel Aviv due to Ben-Gvir's plans to make a speech as a representative of the State of Israel. As a sovereign country, it is up to the Israeli government alone to determine its own speakers.
