Israel warns Italy that EU intervention in the West Bank could lead to more Palestinian terrorism

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, told his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, he believes “European intervention” in disputes over Israeli settlements might lead to an escalation of violence.

During the Monday night meeting, Cohen asked Tajani to use his nation’s influence to move the European Union away from any such interventions, as Italy is one of the its most powerful members.

“I asked my friend … Tajani to act to prevent European intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Cohen said, stressing that “such activity often encourages incitement and terrorism.”

Cohen’s comments are in apparent reaction to public support by the EU and Italy of Palestinian developments in Area C of the West Bank.

“EU activity in Area C has sparked tension between the European bloc and Israel,” The Jerusalem Post reported.

Neither the EU nor Italy recognizes Israeli settlements in Area C as legitimate, despite it being home to nearly 400,000 Israelis.

Tajani, who serves as both foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Italy, has been intimately involved with the EU for decades. He previously served as a European commissioner, as well as president of the European Parliament.

In addition to his talks with Cohen, Tajani’s trip to Israel included meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki.

During the meetings, Tajani reportedly told the Palestinian leadership that Italy remains supportive of a two-state solution and continues to oppose Israeli settlements in Area C.