EU’s Borrell: Israel Imposes ‘Apartheid’ Conditions on Palestinians

Statement Draws Ire of Israeli Government

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has accused Israel of imposing “apartheid” conditions on Palestinians. The statement has drawn strong criticism from the Israeli government.

Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Calls Borrell ‘Prejudiced’

In a statement released on Sunday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Borrell of being prejudiced against Israel. The ministry said Borrell's comments were “unacceptable” and “offensive." The Israeli government summoned the EU ambassador to Israel to express its displeasure.

Borrell’s Comments Based on Reports of Human Rights Groups

Borrell said his comments were based on reports from human rights groups that have accused Israel of imposing apartheid on Palestinians. Apartheid is defined as a system of racial segregation and discrimination, typically practiced against the indigenous population of a country.

Israel Rejects Apartheid Allegations, Accuses Borrell of Bias

The Israeli government has rejected the apartheid allegations and accused Borrell of bias against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Borrell's comments were “outrageous” and “factually wrong.

EU-Israel Relations Strained Over Settlements, Palestinian Rights

Borrell’s comments come amid strained relations between the EU and Israel over the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The EU has repeatedly called for an end to settlement expansion and supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.