EU’s Borrell Proposes US Reduce Military Aid to Israel, According to Reuters

By Andrew Gray

BRUSSELS – European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday urged the United States to reconsider its arms supplies to Israel in light of the high civilian casualties occurring during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Borrell referenced comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden, who described Israel’s military response to the Hamas attack on October 7 as “over the top.” He noted that U.S. and other Western officials have expressed concerns over the growing number of civilian deaths in Gaza.

“If you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide fewer arms to prevent further loss of life,” Borrell stated to reporters following a meeting of EU development aid ministers in Brussels. He further emphasized that if the international community deems the situation a slaughter, it might be necessary to reconsider the provision of arms.

The U.S. is Israel’s primary foreign arms supplier, providing approximately $3.8 billion in military aid annually, including advanced fighter jets and munitions. So far, Washington has not responded to calls to reduce this aid.

When asked about Borrell’s remarks and if the U.S. was contemplating a cut in military assistance to Israel, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller defended the current U.S. policy, asserting it maximizes the ability to influence Israel’s actions. “We have not assessed that cutting aid would be more impactful than the steps we have already taken,” Miller said.

Borrell highlighted a recent ruling from a Dutch court that ordered the Netherlands to halt all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel due to concerns about their use in violations of international law amid the Gaza conflict. He criticized the inconsistency of countries that condemn the civilian casualties while failing to take tangible actions to prevent them.

Israel maintains that it takes significant precautions to protect civilians during its military operations, which are often conducted in populated areas where Hamas operates.

Borrell also expressed frustration toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that he disregards calls for greater protection of civilians. “Everyone visits Tel Aviv to plead, ‘please don’t do this, protect civilians, avoid excessive casualties.’ How many is too many? What is the standard?” Borrell said, conveying his anger and emotional response. “Netanyahu doesn’t listen to anyone.”

He questioned Netanyahu’s call for the evacuation of Palestinian civilians from the Rafah area, the last refuge in Gaza, highlighting the impracticality of such an order. “They are going to evacuate? Where? To the moon? Where are they going to move these people?” he asked.