Why EU fears for Israeli democracy
EU officials are preparing a list of demands designed to stop the flow of Israeli anti-democratic legislation and statements.
Alarm bells went off at European Union headquarters after the Knesset approved July 11 the transparency bill, which mandated that Israeli nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that receive more than half of their income from foreign funds must disclose this in any report or contacts with government officials. The fact that left-wing, pro-peace and human rights organizations are targeted by the Israeli government is seen in Brussels as an affront to Israel’s already flawed democracy. There are those at EU headquarters who are beginning to question the preferential treatment of Israel. They note that countries have to adhere to democratic standards in order to enjoy their preferential agreements with the EU (such as in the area of scientific research).
A senior official close to Federica Mogherini, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the EU leadership in Brussels and in its main capitals is extremely concerned with this Knesset legislation and with other signs that Israel's democracy is deteriorating.
The official named several other examples, starting with revelations of past racist expressions by the new IDF Chief Rabbi Col. Eyal Karim about the right of Israeli soldiers to rape non-Jews during wars — statements described by the EU official as an Islamic State-like worldview. The decision to go ahead with the nomination of the rabbi is severely criticized in Brussels.
The official also referred to racist legislation efforts by the government, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Nationality Law (emphasizing Israel's Jewish character) or the disbarment bill designed to oust Arab Knesset members. He noted that such laws should be taboo in any democracy.
