High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell held a phone call with the newly appointed Alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the State of Israel, Benny Gantz, on Thursday 11 June.

High Representative Borrell warmly congratulated Alternate Prime Minister Gantz on his appointment and confirmed the EU’s intention to work with the new Israeli government on all matters of common interest. He stressed the EU’s steadfast commitment to the security of the State of Israel and recalled also the EU's firm condemnation of any questioning of its existence.

In the call, High Representative Borrell underlined the longstanding friendship between the EU and the State of Israel. In an open discussion, the High Representative and the alternate Prime Minister raised recent regional developments in the Middle East, as well as EU-Israel cooperation aimed at promoting stability and peace in the region. They agreed on the need to closely coordinate on such issues. They also discussed regional challenges such as nuclear non-proliferation, where High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for regional security. 

The High Representative reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to work towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations to resolve all permanent status issues and to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region. He recalled the EU’s firm and united commitment to a negotiated and viable two-state solution based on the internationally agreed parameters. The High Representative shared the EU’s concerns with regard to a potential annexation.

High Representative Borrell appreciated the very thoughtful and useful exchange with Alternate Prime Minister Gantz. Both agreed to remain in close contact.