Sweden Democrats: This Disrupts Relations with Moderates

The government's tougher stance on Israel has been met with loud protests from prominent figures within the Sweden Democrats (SD) and the Christian Democrats (KD). The Sweden Democrats sharply criticize the shift, which they believe divides the Tidö collaboration.

– It came as a complete surprise to us, and it is clear that this disrupts relations, says Aron Emilsson (SD).

On Thursday, the government made a complete turnaround on the issue of the EU's trade with Israel. From opposing a halt to the association agreement, the government now wants to freeze the agreement and increase pressure on Israel.

The announcement creates internal divisions within the Moderates and receives criticism from key figures within the Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats, including Alice Teodorescu Måwe (KD) and Richard Jomshof (SD).

SD leader Jimmie Åkesson has called the new Israel policy a "disaster."

SD: "Disrupts Relations"

Aron Emilsson (SD), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, believes the course change negatively affects the Tidö collaboration.

– We are disappointed. It came as a complete surprise to us, and it is clear that this disrupts relations, he says.

He believes the issue should have been coordinated in advance, even though the Sweden Democrats have no influence over foreign policy as the area is not included in the Tidö agreement.

– It is problematic because as recently as May, we rejected such a proposal from the opposition to freeze the trade agreement. Now the government chooses to meet the opposition without coordinating the issue with us or exploring other possible ways forward. I find that deeply regrettable, he says.

Criticism: Plays into Hamas' Hands

Several figures within SD and KD believe that the new focus on Israel benefits Hamas. Aron Emilsson shares this view.

– It focuses on the wrong thing and risks paving the way for Hamas to win the international information war over who is to blame for the ongoing war.

If you had known about this shift, would you have demanded more guarantees in the Tidö agreement now with hindsight?

– Yes, for us, it has been clear that we should have close cooperation and good dialogue even outside the Tidö agreement's areas. We generally have that in the foreign and security policy area, but it is clear that I would have liked to see the foreign area coordinated and more contractually bound than it is today.

Does Not Benefit Negotiations

Aron Emilsson believes the government should put pressure on Israel but not by ending trade.

– Israel must be pressured into a humanitarian ceasefire and ensure aid reaches civilians, but ending trade and thereby losing political and economic influence and a good relationship with Israel as a democratic state does not benefit negotiations for an immediate ceasefire.

In what other ways can diplomatic and political pressure be put on Israel that could make a difference?

– We can apply pressure in bilateral talks, act through the EU, and direct aid so that it reaches its destination. Then we must be realistic. Sweden does not have the geographical or cultural conditions to solve the situation on the ground in Gaza.

He also believes the government should increase pressure on Hamas.

– Yes, it is about being very clear in communication, not letting Hamas win the global information war, demanding the release of hostages, and supporting Arab countries' diplomatic efforts and military actions against Islamist terror in the region.

Government's Response

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) does not want to comment on SD's criticism.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) also does not respond to the criticism but says more pressure must be put on both Israel and Hamas.

"The government agrees that more pressure must be put on Hamas, which bears a very heavy responsibility for the situation in Gaza, and must release hostages, immediately and unconditionally. The government also agrees to put additional pressure on Israel, which must live up to its obligations under international humanitarian law. The war must end," she writes to Expressen.