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European allies of Israel against Hezbollah, but also against annexation

Israel’s traditional allies in Europe promote resolutions against Hezbollah but also express clearly their objections to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan.
Houses in the Israeli settlement of settlement of Kedumim are seen in the foreground as part of the Palestinian city of Nablus is seen in the background (far left) in the Israeli-occupied West Bank February 20, 2020. Picture taken February 20, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC2R7F9HN66O

Austria’s parliament adopted on May 29 a resolution urging the government in Vienna and the European Union to take decisive actions by reassessing Hezbollah’s entire organization as a terrorist movement and not just its military branch. Hailing the nonbinding resolution, Israel’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi stated on May 31 that “this is an important decision against Hezbollah. I hope that the Austrian government will adopt their parliament’s decision and will join the UK, Germany and the Netherlands who have all recognized Hezbollah in its entirety as a terror organization.”

Jerusalem received with enthusiasm the Austrian parliamentarian resolution, but its reaction to another Austrian statement that very same day was quite different. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg warned Israel on May 29 against its West Bank annexation plan, stressing it would contravene international law. Schallenberg’s statement clarified his country’s position on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intentions, leaving no room for ambiguity. “The unilateral expansion of territory is against international law and numerous resolutions of the United Nations Security Council since 1967. There are no doubts about the Austrian position regarding annexation," said Schallenberg, who added that he had relayed the same message to his Israeli counterpart.

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