ISRAEL – EUROPEAN RELATIONS
ISRAEL – EUROPEAN RELATIONS
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Europe, with its normative, economic, and political power, plays an important role in the Western coalition of states of which Israel aspires to be a part. In addition to Israel’s geographic, cultural, social, and economic proximity to the European Union and its member states, partnerships with Europe are critical to Israel’s national security and prosperity as a state.
In this program, we examine trends and dynamics in Europe, the relationship between Europe and the United States, and Europe’s influence on the Middle East — both on the state level and within the European Union — with the goal of strengthening Israel’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the continent. We aim to mitigate negative trends and vulnerabilities in Israel–EU relations, while expanding and leveraging the many opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the current era of shifting global dynamics.
Program Director
Dr. Michal Hatuel Radoshitzky
Researcher
Amit Shalem
“Two guiding principles shape Europe’s conduct regarding the war with Iran: the first is that this is not Europe’s war. The second is a preference for negotiations and the use of diplomatic tools to resolve conflicts. Europe does not view the war with Iran as its own for several reasons. The most prominent among them are: the continent’s primary reference threat is Russia, European countries attach great importance to international law (which in their view has been violated), anger and aversion toward Trump’s approach toward European countries and NATO since taking office, concern over the impact of prolonged fighting on the cost of living in Europe, and fear of a scenario in which Iran fragments which would create migration challenges for Europe. In addition, the war is perceived as strengthening Russia at Ukraine’s expense.”
Source: MIND policy paper titled: Europe and the War with Iran (March, 2026)
"Israel-France relations have seen growing friction over the past year on several fronts. President Macron has adopted a more pro-Palestinian and confrontational line, driven primarily by domestic political considerations but also by strategic calculations, and Israel has responded by escalating its public rhetoric toward him. The continuation of current trends could entrench Israel’s status as a polarizing factor in French politics and amplify France’s negative influence on other European countries."
Source: MIND policy paper on Israel’s relations with France (January 2026)
“Poland is bolstering its position within both the European and transatlantic blocs and is gaining growing influence over EU processes and decisions. Israel should designate Poland as a priority country for deepening cooperation as part of building a broader Israeli partnership network."
Source: MIND policy paper on Poland, the European Union, and the Transatlantic Dynamic (March 2025)
“It is in Israel’s interest to position itself as a bridge between the United States and Europe, based on the understanding that being perceived as a valuable asset by the American administration is essential for protecting Israeli interests across various arenas, as well as for expanding cooperation with Europe.”
Source: MIND policy paper on evelopments surrounding the war in Ukraine (March 2025)
RECENTLY IN THE MEDIA
Yigal Walt
Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky
Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky
Yigal Walt
Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky
Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky
