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Israeli FM slams Europe for 'interfering' in judicial overhaul

Ahead of a debate at the European Parliament on Israel’s judicial overhaul, Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen accused EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrel of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs.
Israelis protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill, in front of the residence of Justice Minister Yariv Levin, in the central city of Modiin, on March 9, 2022. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

PARIS — Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohem spoke on the phone Monday with European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell, criticizing his statements on Israeli-Palestinian West Bank escalation and the EU's alleged interference in Israel’s internal affairs, namely the government’s judicial overhaul plan.

A statement issued by Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Cohen slammed Borrell over statements comparing the killing of Palestinian assailants in IDF anti-terror operations with the murder of Israeli civilians in terror acts. Cohen said, "The interference by the EU in Israel’s internal politics and the financing of Palestinian operations encouraging incitement and the payments to families of terrorists must stop."

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