A week ago Jerusalem was very concerned that the EU would issue council conclusions similar to ones issued last May, viewed in Jerusalem as extremely critical of Israeli policies, while giving the Palestinian Authority a “free pass.”
Israeli officials argued that if a similar statement on the Middle East was issued following Monday’s meeting, it would undercut Kerry by giving the Palestinians the impression they have a “blank check” from the Europeans, that there was an alternative better than what Kerry was offering, and that no matter what they do – or how long they stay away from the negotiations – the European diplomatic fire will always be aimed at Israel.
Following Ashton’s visit last week to Ramallah and Jerusalem, according to one European official, it became clear to Ashton that just repeating a whole set of detailed conclusions blasting settlements and taking Israel to task for its policies in Area C and Jerusalem would not be useful and conducive in getting both parties to the table.
......
right.
this schtick.
oh well. people put up with it.