Israel is angered by a new order from the European Union that bans member nations from any type of dealings with Israeli settlements that were constructed in disputed areas beyond the 1967 borders.
The new rule, which takes effect in 2014, is “very significant and worrying,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin, Press TV reported.
The new rule requires that Israel guarantee that all projects and funding tied to the European Union are not used for disputed settlement areas — those in east Jerusalem, the West Bank or the Golan Heights. These are the areas that were captured by Israel in the 1967 war. The Associated Press reported that Israel would have to agree to the rule in writing before obtaining any EU business related to the disputed territories.
The rule has far-reaching political consequences.
Mr. Elkin said it would wipe out any tries by the United States and Secretary of State John F. Kerry to jump-start peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Press TV reported. Palestinians have been demanding for years that Israel stop building in these disputed areas, and they refuse to talk peace until Israel grants the concession.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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