5 July 2019; MEMO: Israel Hayom reported, Thursday, that Israel is disappointed with the expected appointment of Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell as the new EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
According to the newspaper, Borrell will replace the current High Representative, Federica Mogherini, who was an unpopular figure in Israel because of her stubborn support for the Iran nuclear deal and for her relatively pro-Palestinian tendencies.
Following the European Parliamentary elections – wherein traditionally dominant factions lost ground – Israel was hoping for a shift in foreign policy toward the Right.
The election of Borrell by European leaders as the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in addition to other appointments shows that sympathy for a deal with Iran and Palestinians will continue along with a hostile position toward the United States and Israel, reported the Hebrew newspaper.
Israel Hayom claimed that Borrell was an easily provoked and sharp-tongued man, noting that a few months ago, social media users in Europe circulated a video showing him leaving a live interview because he did not like the questions.
Borrell volunteered many years ago in the Kibbutz in Israel where he met his first wife; however, more recently he has criticised Israel.
About a year ago, Borrell suggested that the EU and its member states should unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. He even threatened that Spain would do so unilaterally, though this did not occur.
