TEL AVIV, Monday, May 8, 2023 (WAFA) – The European Union (EU) today canceled its annual Europe Day reception in Israel to avoid racist Israeli cabinet minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who insisted on attending and speaking at the event on behalf of his far-right government. ‘The EU Delegation to Israel is looking forward to celebrating Europe Day on May 9, as it does every year. Regrettably, this year we have decided to cancel the diplomatic reception, as we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the EU stands for,’ the EU office in Israel said in a tweet. ‘However, the Europe Day cultural event for the Israeli public will be maintained to celebrate with our friends and partners in Israel the strong and constructive bilateral relationship.’ The Israeli government has named Ben Gvir to attend the EU event on its behalf, a decision that has caused diplomatic friction between the EU and Israel.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA