On Tuesday, Borrell addressed the European Parliament in a special debate on “the deterioration of democracy in Israel and the consequences in the occupied territories” amid the ongoing protests against the government’s judicial reform. Borrell stressed that the EU would not interfere in Israel’s internal politics, but that it “is fully entitled to discuss this dynamic and to understand what is happening in that country.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen condemned Borrell’s comments and the EU session. “Comparisons between the victims of Israeli terrorism and Palestinian terrorists supported by the Palestinian Authority are not appropriate,” he said.

‘’We are not aware about any ban or an decision by the Israeli authorities not to allow High Representative Josep Borrell to visit Israel,’’ said EU’s spokesperson for foreign affairs Peter Stano about a report in the Israeli media that the Israeli foreign ministry didn’t respond to requests by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel to visit Israel because of his comments on the situation in Israel.  A foreign ministry official was quoted by the Israeli media as saying that ‘’there is no reason to reward Josep Borrell for his remarks.’’

Last week, Borrell published an article comparing clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank to terrorist attacks on Israelis, claiming that “Israeli military operations frequently cause the death of Palestinian civilians, without any real accountability” and “condemning the illegal settlements that expand on occupied land.”

‘’You cannot be prevented to visit if you are not invited. We are not aware that HR Borrell would be prevented to visit Israel. He was not attempting to enter Israel in any way that he would have to be prevented from doing this,’’ the EU spokesperson added in response to a question from European Jewish Press during the European Commission daily press briefing. .

The spokesperson also recalled the position of the EU and its 27 member states ‘’about tne current developments in Israel and on the Palestinian occupied territory. ‘’

‘’The EU was very clear in its statement which is the position of all member states.. What do we think about the spiraling violence, what do we think about the situation getting worse and worse ? What de we think about the need to de-escalate and for both sides to renew direct talks and negotiations to find a way out from the current siuation.,’’ Peter Stano said.

On Tuesday, Borrell addressed the European Parliament in a special debate on “the deterioration of democracy in Israel and the consequences in the occupied territories” amid the ongoing protests against the government’s judicial reform. Borrell stressed that the EU would not interfere in Israel’s internal politics, but that it “is fully entitled to discuss this dynamic and to understand what is happening in that country.” ”This is a way of showing our interest and our appreciation for the Israeli democracy,” he said.

‘’We are a close observer because Israel is a key partner and our shared values are based on a democratic and open society and the rule of law,’’ he added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who was not happy with the debate, had a phone conversation with Borrell on Tuesday, during which he condemned both his comments and the EU session. “Comparisons between the victims of Israeli terrorism and Palestinian terrorists supported by the Palestinian Authority are not appropriate,” Cohen said.

“The European Union’s intervention in Israeli domestic politics and funding of Palestinian activities that encourage incitement and payments to the families of terrorists must stop,” he stressed.

He added that the E.U.’s positions on Israel continue to be biased and demanded that the E.U. take into account Israel’s complex security reality.

In his address to the European Parlialment, Borrell said that ”we certainly never drew comparisons between operations by the Israeli military and the actions of terrorists. But we have to call for the proportional use of force. Nor do we tolerate any kind of funding activities that could encourage incitement.”