Swedish government faces internal criticism over its proposal to freeze the EU's trade agreement with Israel, aimed at pressuring Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Ebba Busch, leader of the Christian Democrats, suggests the policy could be reconsidered if Israel takes more responsibility. The proposal has sparked debate within the ruling coalition, with calls to increase pressure on Hamas and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Ebba Busch Responds to Criticism Over Israel Policy: Potential for Policy Reassessment
Ebba Busch Responds to Criticism Over Israel Policy: Potential for Policy Reassessment
Ebba Busch's words following the intense criticism of the government's stance on Israel.
Last week, the government announced its intention to pressure Israel by advocating for the EU to freeze its trade agreement with the country.
The announcement led to strong internal criticism within the Tidö parties, notably from the Sweden Democrats, who called it "hasty and counterproductive."
EU parliamentarian Alice Teodorescu Måwe (KD) also argued that the decision plays into Hamas's hands.
From KD leader Ebba Busch, there had been silence on the new policy, but on Tuesday, she commented on the decision in a social media post.
She opened the possibility for the policy to change in the future.
"Israel bears a responsibility to do more to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians. (...) That said, if Israel does more or if it turns out that there is no basis for Israel bearing significant responsibility for the aid not reaching, there is no reason to maintain the government's position. Regardless, pressure on Hamas needs to increase to end the suffering in Gaza."
She continued by listing points that KD wants to implement to increase pressure on Hamas.
These include demanding that Hamas be disarmed, pressuring other countries to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, and expanding entry bans on individuals associated with Hamas.
KD also wants to move Sweden's embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. These are points the party has previously advocated.
Announcement of Frozen Agreement Last Week
It was last week that the government announced its desire to freeze the EU's trade agreement with Israel, as a measure to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"Sweden therefore demands that the EU freeze the trade part of the association agreement as soon as possible. The economic pressure on Israel must increase. The Israeli government must allow unhindered humanitarian aid in Gaza," wrote Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on X.
At the same time, it was argued that pressure on Hamas must increase to free hostages.
In addition to criticism from KD and SD, there was also internal criticism within the Moderates, where sources described the situation as "boiling" internally in the party.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has not commented on the criticism but referred to Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.
She does not share the view that increased pressure on Israel benefits Hamas.
"There is no doubt about Hamas's incredibly destructive role; they bear a very heavy responsibility for the situation in Gaza. However, this fact does not absolve Israel of its obligations under international humanitarian law," she said in a statement.