Borrell responds to Katz’s antisemitism accusations: “Don’t play with big words”
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell responded firmly to accusations of antisemitism made by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The exchange followed Borrell’s participation in a meeting discussing the establishment of a Palestinian state, a topic that has sparked outrage by Israel.
Katz took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Borrell, accusing him of supporting what he called a “Palestinian terror state”. “Borrell supports establishing a Palestinian terror state controlled by Iran, and the axis of evil against Israel, moderate Arab states, and Europe”, he claimed.
“This is Borrell’s legacy –- antisemitism and hatred towards Israel,” he added.
In response, Borrell rejected the accusation, stating that labeling someone as antisemitic for opposing a government’s position is unjustified. He warned against the misuse of terms with historical weight, saying, “Accusing those who disagree with a government’s position of antisemitism makes no sense.”
He further emphasized the seriousness of the term by referring to the dark periods in history. “There have unfortunately been examples in history of what it means to be antisemitic, and I don’t think we should play with big words that have had a tragic dimension in history,” Borrell remarked.
The exchange between Katz and Borrell is the latest in a series of diplomatic frictions between Israel and the European Union. While the EU has consistently supported a two-state solution, Israel has become increasingly critical of EU involvement in Palestine.
