The Social Democrats have called Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to the foreign affairs committee, demanding clarity on Sweden's stance on Israel. This follows Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's decision to freeze trade with Israel, causing division within the Tidö parties. Morgan Johansson criticizes the government's unclear position and seeks a formal statement. The debate intensifies as some parties support moving the Swedish embassy to Jerusalem, a move Johansson deems extreme.
Social Democrats Summon Foreign Minister Over Israel Policy Dispute
Social Democrats Summon Foreign Minister Over Israel Policy Dispute
Morgan Johansson (S) criticizes the Tidö parties' conflicting messages on Israel policy. He has summoned Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) to the foreign affairs committee, demanding the government clarify its stance.
"Ulf Kristersson's leadership is spineless," says the Social Democrat leader. The foreign minister responds to the criticism.
Since Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) announced the government's intention to freeze trade with Israel to pressure Netanyahu's government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, there has been significant turmoil within the Tidö parties.
Jimmie Åkesson (SD) called the shift a "disaster," and Ebba Busch (KD) stated the policy could change. Meanwhile, there has been unrest within the Moderates, but Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa support Kristersson's line and want to freeze trade with Israel.
"Must Show Their True Colors"
Social Democrats' foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson finds the division in foreign policy concerning.
He describes Kristersson's leadership as "spineless" and believes the Tidö representatives' differing messages on the Israel/Gaza issue create an unclear picture of Sweden's position, demanding the government's stance be clarified.
"Is it the foreign minister's line that applies?"
On Thursday, Johansson will submit a request for a special consultation with the government in the parliament's foreign affairs committee.
"I want it to happen as soon as possible. At such a meeting, the government must present a written document stating their position. So far, we have only seen verbal statements, but I want a written formulation of where the government stands," says Johansson.
In a special consultation, parties vote on which position should apply.
"Then parties like KD and L must show their true colors regarding their line."
Morgan Johansson also wants answers on whether Benjamin Dousa's invitation last week, that the government wants to cooperate with the Social Democrats on Israel/Gaza policy, still stands. He states that "the Social Democrats' door is open," but adds:
"But I will not attend any meetings with the government unless I know it is serious."
Ethnic Cleansing
Last week, Johansson spoke with Dousa by phone. He simultaneously sent over a list of several proposals the Social Democrats believe the government should pursue immediately to further pressure Israel.
These include resuming support for the UN agency Unwra and stopping goods from Israeli settlers to Europe.
Ebba Busch's recent statement that she believes "Israel is doing the world a favor" by trying to neutralize the terrorist organization Hamas has upset many.
To speak of this as if Israel is doing the world a favor, I find offensive.
Morgan Johansson is among those who strongly oppose the statement.
"When you see the destruction in Gaza, I think it is obvious that Israel's warfare is not just about fighting Hamas, but also about making conditions in Gaza, and also in the West Bank, so terrible that Palestinians are forced to leave these areas," he says, adding:
"I see their warfare as part of an ethnic cleansing process. To speak of this as if Israel is doing the world a favor, I find offensive."
Embassy Move – An "Extreme Position"
That three out of four Tidö parties – KD, L, and SD – now support moving the Swedish embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is another issue Morgan Johansson opposes.
He argues that moving the embassy would effectively recognize Jerusalem as the capital, something he believes is only possible if there is also an agreement on a Palestinian state.
"From an international perspective, it is an extreme position. It contradicts the EU line and also the UN line," says Johansson.
In a written comment to Expressen, Maria Malmer Stenergard responds to Morgan Johansson's question about which line applies.
"The government's line remains, and we will urge other EU countries to act."