Israel’s Herzog: Judge Netanyahu-Obama talks by peace moves

The Palestinians welcomed the move.

Daniel Rosario, an EU Commission spokesperson for trade and agriculture, told JTA that territorial disputes over the West Bank and Western Sahara “are of a completely different nature”. EU officials dismissed that complaint as emotional and irrelevant, saying the guidelines are merely a reflection of longstanding European policy and are aimed at protecting a consumer’s right to know whether a product was produced within Israel’s pre-1967 borders or in disputed territory.

Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem and in the Golan Heights – all occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War – are deemed illegal under global law. However while the immediate economic impact is predicted to be minimal, there’s worry in that the logic behind the labeling could possibly be extended to the broader economy by concentrating on companies which have operations or affiliates within the contested areas, as many do. The bill was first passed in the EU Parliament on September 10. Those resolutions reflect mounting frustration in Europe over the stalemated peace process and the growing political pressure on leaders in countries with large Muslim populations sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.

The decision outraged the Israeli government and settlers living in those territories.

Isaac Herzog said whether the understandings and memorandum discussed by Obama and Netanyahu in light of the Iran nuclear deal keep Israel’s military edge will be tested within a few months and on a long-term basis.

He added that the EU “should be ashamed of itself” and that he labeling of Israeli products by the European Union “brings back dark memories”.

“This also happens to be the view of 99% of the global community”, Faaborg-Andersen said.

“The European Union has once again moved from the level of statements to taking concrete policy decisions”.

“Product labelling will strengthen the radical elements advocating a boycott against Israel and denying Israel’s right to exist, contradicting positions the European Union publicly opposes”.

Mandatory indication of origin or labelling includes products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, wine, honey, olive oil, eggs, poultry and organic products as well as cosmetics. Goods from Palestinian-owned businesses can say “product of Palestine” or “product of West Bank (Palestinian product)”.

The producer, exporter and importer are responsible for complying with the regulations, but it is up to member countries to ensure the rules are followed, officials said. The new standard is optional for packaged foods and industrial products.

“We believe that more actions are necessary to hold Israel accountable for the crimes it continues to commit against the land and people of Palestine”, Erekat added.

“Those products should not only be labeled, but should be banned”.

After various attempts to postpone the vote, on Wednesday the European Commission finally approved a measure forcing companies to label products coming from the Palestinian territories that have been occupied since 1967.