EU’s Internal Struggles Take Center Stage as Former Netanyahu Adviser Questions Its Stance on Israel
EU will come to its senses – European Union leaders are facing mounting pressure to address internal divisions rather than focus on external conflicts, according to Jacob Nagel, a former national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recent interview with Euronews, Nagel emphasized that the EU’s most urgent challenge lies within its own borders, suggesting that the bloc’s current disputes with Israel are secondary to its domestic priorities. This comes amid growing tensions in EU-Israel relations, which have been exacerbated by recent political moves and ideological differences.
Strained Ties and Policy Disputes
Earlier this month, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took a decisive step by cutting all communication with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief. The break was attributed to Sa’ar’s dissatisfaction with the EU’s perceived comparison of Israel to South Africa during its apartheid era, a stance he argued undermined Israel’s international standing. Meanwhile, the European Commission has been under pressure from several member states to propose measures targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. These efforts aim to curb economic ties with regions deemed illegal under international law, highlighting the EU’s role as a key actor in the geopolitical landscape.
Nagel, who spent over four decades in Israel’s Defence Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office, has long advocated for a firm stance on security matters. He told Euronews that while the EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, its influence in shaping regional policies has diminished. “The EU is not as relevant as it once was,” he stated, echoing comments made by Netanyahu to the news outlet last year. Nagel’s critique reflects a broader sentiment that the bloc’s priorities have shifted, with some members prioritizing ideological alignment over pragmatic cooperation.
Europe’s Domestic Challenges
According to Nagel, the European Union’s internal struggles have diverted attention from its relationship with Israel. He argued that some member states are preoccupied with domestic issues, such as rising immigration levels and security threats, which he described as more pressing than diplomatic disagreements with the Jewish state. “If you walk the streets of Europe, you’ll see terror,” Nagel said, adding that while certain countries have taken decisive action to address these concerns, others are losing ground in the battle against immigration pressures.
Nagel’s perspective underscores the complexity of EU politics, where differing national interests and values often create friction. He suggested that while the bloc has historically supported Israel’s security needs, its current leadership may be slow to respond to the Jewish state’s challenges. “The EU countries will eventually come to their senses and recognize the true allies,” he asserted, implying that clarity on the geopolitical front is inevitable as internal debates continue to unfold.
US-Israel Relations and the Iran Deal
While the focus has largely been on the EU-Israel rift, Nagel also addressed the evolving dynamics between the United States and Israel. He acknowledged that some tension has emerged between the two allies, particularly following Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. However, he maintained that the relationship remains strong, emphasizing the mutual trust between the nations. “Israel and the US are the best allies. They are our best friends,” Nagel stated, highlighting the enduring partnership despite recent challenges.
On the US side, President Donald Trump has been criticized for sidelining Israel in the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement, which was signed on June 17. Opposition figures and some Israeli government members argued that the deal weakened Israel’s position, as it allowed Iran to avoid significant sanctions and continue its nuclear ambitions. Trump, however, has prioritized domestic concerns, particularly the economy, over maintaining a rigid stance on the conflict. This decision has led to comments from US allies like Vice President J.D. Vance, who suggested that Israel is now isolated on the global stage, with Trump as its only remaining supporter.
The Cost of Prioritizing Domestic Interests
Nagel believes that Trump’s approach, while understandable, is a strategic misstep. He explained that the US president is focusing on reducing oil prices, which is a critical issue for voters, even at the expense of a more robust deal with Iran. “Iran is now getting exactly what it wants and needs,” Nagel said, citing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and temporary waivers for Iranian oil exports as evidence of the deal’s success. These concessions, he argued, ensure that Iran will receive direct, conventional currency payments during the 60-day negotiation period outlined in the agreement.
Experts estimate that Iran’s oil sales during this window could generate approximately $8 billion, underscoring the economic benefits of the deal. Nagel admitted that while the EU and US may not always align with Israel’s interests, their domestic priorities often dictate foreign policy decisions. “The people in the US don’t know where Iran is or where Israel is. They just know how much they’re paying for a gallon of oil when they stop at the gas station,” he said, emphasizing the public’s limited awareness of the broader geopolitical stakes.
A Question of Leadership and Strategy
Despite his criticism of Trump’s focus on domestic issues, Nagel acknowledged the legitimacy of the “America first” agenda, particularly in the context of upcoming mid-term elections. He noted that Republicans are wary of a potential Democratic takeover of Congress and are pushing for policies that favor economic stability. “The US is a democratic nation, and its leaders are making decisions based on the needs of the people,” Nagel said, while also expressing hope for closer alignment with Israel’s strategic goals.
The former adviser’s comments highlight the delicate balance between international commitments and national interests. While he supports the US’s efforts to stabilize the economy, he believes that this focus has come at the cost of a stronger position against Iran’s nuclear program. “We would very much like the US to be with us, but sometimes they have their own interests,” Nagel added, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining global alliances amid domestic pressures.
As the EU and US navigate their respective challenges, the question remains whether their internal dynamics will lead to a recalibration of their policies toward Israel. Nagel’s assertion that both blocs will eventually recognize the importance of aligning with Israel’s interests signals a possible shift in the near future. However, the path to this realization will depend on how leaders address their domestic concerns while maintaining their commitment to regional stability and security.
