EU leader speaks out against US military aid to Israel

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticizes U.S. for continuing arms supplies to Israel despite rising civilian death toll in the Gaza war

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for a reassessment of military aid to Israel.

Borrell directly linked the U.S.’ substantial military support to Israel with the escalating death toll in Gaza while speaking in Brussels on Monday.

Citing President Joe Biden’s recent remarks that Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was “over the top,” Borrell argued for a reduction in arms supplies.

“If you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed,” he stated.

Borrell added, “If the international community believes that this is a slaughter, that too many people are being killed, maybe we have to think about the provision of arms.”

The U.S. is known to be Israel’s most crucial foreign arms provider and gives approximately $3.8 billion in military aid annually. This includes advanced weaponry ranging from fighter jets to powerful bombs.

Despite calls for restraint, the Biden administration has continued this support, bypassing Congress in recent instances. Borrell’s statements coincide with a Dutch court ruling mandating the cessation of F-35 fighter jet part exports to Israel.

According to Borrell, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not adequately responded to international calls for the protection of civilians. The EU diplomat also criticized Netanyahu’s call for the evacuation of over a million Palestinians in Rafah, questioning the feasibility and humanity of such a move.

Source: Newsroom