Overall, the Israel file exposes a deep gap between the EU’s normative rhetoric and its practice, highlighting structural weaknesses in its common foreign policy.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
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Objective & Hypothesis:This study analyzes the European Union’s policy toward Israel after 7 October 2023 to assess its foreign policy performance.
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Key Findings & Data:It finds that the EU struggles to develop a unified, coherent approach, with sharp divisions among member states over recognizing Palestine, sanctions on Israel, defenseindustry cooperation and applying international law.
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Conclusion & Impact:Overall, the Israel file exposes a deep gap between the EU’s normative rhetoric and its practice, highlighting structural weaknesses in its common foreign policy.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2023 Verileri
⚙️Variables:الاتحاد الأوروبي · فلسطين · إسرائيل
Abstract
This study analyzes the European Union’s policy toward Israel after 7 October 2023 to assess its foreign policy performance. It finds that the EU struggles to develop a unified, coherent approach, with sharp divisions among member states over recognizing Palestine, sanctions on Israel, defenseindustry cooperation and applying international law. By contrast, there is broader consensus on a twostate solution and humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Trade ties with Israel remain largely unchanged, with the EU still its largest trading partner. Overall, the Israel file exposes a deep gap between the EU’s normative rhetoric and its practice, highlighting structural weaknesses in its common foreign policy.
Boyraz, H. M. (2026). The European Union’s Deadlock on the Israel Issue after October 7. Rouya Türkiyyah, Cilt: 15 Sayı: 2, 171–200. https://doi.org/10.36360/1560-015-002-010
In this study, the term “Israel issue” is deliberately preferred over the more commonly used term “Palestinian issue” in the literature in order to emphasize the political dynamics that have been decisive in the emergence and continuation of the conflict. Furthermore, a report published in September 2025 by the United Nations Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in the Gaza Strip. For this reason, this study adopts the Commission’s characterization of Israel’s policies in Gaza following October 7, 2023. See: UN Human Rights Council. (16.09.2025). Commission of Inquiry, A/HRC/60/CRP.3. https://www.un.org/unispal/document/commission-of-inquiry-report-genocide-in-gaza-a-hrc-60-crp-3/
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