Once again, we are called upon to point the finger at the Israeli government and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is carrying out a racist, nationalist and cruel policy against the Bedouin communities in the Negev and the West Bank by imposing forcible transfers and threating to dismantle the village of Khan al-Ahmar. We will never accept Netanyahu‘s violence. We will never remain silent.

 

Today, we sent a letter to the Israeli Ambassador to the European Union, Mr Aharon Leshno-Yaar, in which the S&D Group raises its voice against these actions that openly contradict international law. We said it before and we will say it again: a country that does not respect its obligations under international law towards the people living under its occupation, cannot be deemed a healthy democracy.

 

 

 

“Israel’s High Court has given its approval for the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar, rejecting the appeals of its families. However, this shocking decision leaves the door open for a possible reassessment by the Israeli authorities. It is just a matter of political will. The international community cannot remain silent and allow such an infringement of international law to happen. In the European Parliament, we successfully requested to have the EU vice-president and High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, give a statement followed by a resolution on this matter this week.

 

“We call on the international community to do whatever it can to put the necessary pressure on Netanyahu to stop him. We call on you, Mr Netanyahu: Respect democracy, do not tear down Khan al-Ahmar.”