Jenny Aharon
Jerusalem Post, Dec. 28, 2023
“… the EU has found a way to fund construction in Area C without violating the Oslo Accords, or so we are tricked to believe.”
According to a European Union leaked document, it is planning to help the Palestinians take over Area C while it has always claimed to maintain an evenhanded position based on law. What’s perceived as deception has led to a harsh response from Israel’s Knesset members.
Per the Oslo preliminary accords, the West Bank was divided into three parts: Areas A, B and C. Israel retains jurisdiction in Area C with regard to security, public order and all issues related to the territory, including planning and zoning.
Needless to say, anything related to that area is a highly sensitive matter to all, especially to Israelis when their rights in the area are being questioned, when criticism comes from the EU and when it puts into question some of the EU’s own values and laws.
Let’s look at context
In order to comprehend what has transpired with the document and Israel’s reaction, it’s important to look into the context: the EU has strived to remain a neutral power as it states its opinion (read criticism) on Israel’s policies in the West Bank. It insists that its positions are based on meticulous compliance with international law, EU law and charter, and also the Oslo Accords.
This claim is surely defied by the leaked document in which we can see an activist EU striving to help the Palestinians take over Area C, the very area that is designated to Israel’s control per the Oslo Accords preliminary agreement which the EU claims to uphold.
To Israelis, the jig is up and the deception has been uncovered. One cannot blame the EU for things it hasn’t said or done but the leaked document proves the EU has been trying to circumvent the laws it is asking everyone else to follow. …Source