A rift has emerged within Sweden's Tidö coalition as the government faces criticism from the Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats over its pressure on Israel. Key figures argue that the move benefits Hamas, while Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard defends the government's position, emphasizing Israel's obligations under international law.
Rift in Tidö Coalition: SD Criticizes Government's Stance on Israel
Rift in Tidö Coalition: SD Criticizes Government's Stance on Israel
"Risk of Playing into Hamas' Hands"
On Thursday, Expressen reported that the pressure the government is choosing to exert on Israel has led to an internal split within the Moderates and created a rift within the Tidö coalition.
Prominent figures within the Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats have strongly criticized the decision.
- The Sweden Democrats consider it wrong, hasty, and counterproductive, says Aron Emilsson (SD), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
He argues that the decision plays into Hamas' hands during ongoing negotiations.
SD Leader: "What a Debacle"
- It risks political and economic influence and playing into Hamas' hands during ongoing negotiations. The consequences for Europe are also unclear.
SD member Richard Jomshof has also commented on the Moderates, whose betrayal he claims is recurring:
"In issue after issue, the Moderates betray, what a debacle," he writes in a comment on X to Expressen's publication.
Government's Response
The reactions prompt Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to respond. She does not share the view that the government is playing into Hamas' hands. In a comment to Expressen, she writes:
"There is no doubt about Hamas' incredibly destructive role; they bear a very heavy responsibility for the situation in Gaza. However, this fact does not absolve Israel of their obligations under international humanitarian law."
She further writes that the government has repeatedly urged pressure on Hamas and supports the sanctions directed by the EU against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Criticism: Pressure Should Be on Hamas
European Parliamentarian Alice Teodorescu Måwe (KD) is also critical, arguing that the new focus on Israel benefits Hamas.
- The government should, via the EU, together with, among others, the Arab countries, put pressure on Hamas – who started the war – to immediately end it. Focusing on Israel is to play into Hamas' hands, whose goal is to turn world opinion against Israel and ultimately destroy the country and its people.
This stance is shared by several prominent Moderates – who, following the government's announcement on Thursday, have taken to social media.
Lidingö leader Daniel Källenfors (M) writes on X that the war in Gaza can end if Hamas surrenders and releases hostages. He retweets party colleague Rickard Herrey, who writes that the introduction of trade sanctions against Israel is exactly what the terrorist organization Hamas desires.
"More than that really doesn't need to be said."
The chairman of the regional board in Skåne, Carl Johan Sonesson (M), writes on Facebook that it is important that the pressure from the outside world, not least from the EU, against Hamas increases even more.