Middle East live blog: ++ Israel calls for the EU to “change course” ++

Israel’s ambassador in Berlin calls for the EU to “change course” towards Iran. The G7 finance ministers pledge cooperation on new Iran sanctions. All developments in the live blog.

After the EU heads of government agreed on further sanctions against Iran, Anton Hofreiter called for further steps. In an interview with rbb 24 info radio The chairman of the Bundestag’s European Committee called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to be classified as a terrorist organization. In doing so, the Green politician supports Israel’s demands on the EU. Such a measure would mean considerable economic difficulties for the Revolutionary Guard, said Hofreiter. In addition, the country’s political elite enriches itself through the paramilitary organization.

Israel has been considering a rapid response to last weekend’s Iranian attack, according to media reports. Israel’s Kan radio reported overnight that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after speaking to US President Joe Biden, had decided not to implement pre-approved plans for retaliation in the event of an attack. Diplomacy played a role, a senior official who wished to remain anonymous told the broadcaster. “There will be an answer, but it will be different than what was originally planned.” The US news portal Axios reported, citing Israeli sources, that the war cabinet considered giving the green light for attacks at a meeting on Monday, but without ordering them. It was the war cabinet’s second meeting since the Iranian attack over the weekend.

The vote in the UN Security Council on the Palestinians’ application for full membership in the United Nations could be delayed. It is expected to take place on Thursday or Friday, diplomats said. Diplomatic circles had previously named Thursday as voting day. It was now said that no final decision had been made yet. Some member states had spoken out in favor of a vote on Friday.

The Slovenian UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, told journalists that the decision was still pending. Palestinian UN envoy Rijad Mansour, however, said the vote would take place on Thursday. “I’m sure. If you don’t believe me, you’ll see tomorrow.” There was initially no confirmation of the schedule from Malta, which will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council in April.

The head of the Palestinian relief organization UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, accuses Israel of wanting to close the organization in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Therefore, the Security Council must protect the important role of UNRWA as an aid organization for the Palestinians, warned Lazzarini in a meeting of the highest body of the United Nations. He also accused Israel of having banned UNRWA from delivering aid to the Gaza Strip. International experts see the north of the territory in particular as being on the verge of famine.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war, 178 members of UNRWA’s staff have been killed, Lazzarini added to the Security Council. More than 160 aid organization facilities, most of which served as emergency shelters for Palestinians, were damaged or destroyed in attacks that left more than 400 dead.

G7 finance ministers and central bank chiefs have condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and expressed concern about the crisis in the Gaza Strip. They would ensure close coordination of all future measures to reduce Iran’s capabilities to acquire, produce and transfer weapons, said the statement from representatives of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7). The finance ministers and central bank heads are meeting in Washington on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting. The G7 includes the USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain and Italy.

Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, has called on the European Union to “change course” in its policy towards Iran. After the major Iranian attack on his country, Europe must “take a clear stance,” the ambassador told the “Rheinische Post”. “For example, by listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The Revolutionary Guard spreads terror and violence in the Middle East and beyond,” said Prosor. “It’s Europe’s turn. We have seen that it has not been possible to contain the dangers posed by Iran. We need a change of course.”

The ambassador did not say how Israel will respond to Iran’s attack, but emphasized: “We will strike back so that no one ever thinks of attacking us again.” The USA and Germany are Israel’s closest friends. The doctrine of live and let live is not particularly widespread in the Middle East. “Our friends have to understand that too. Our neighborhood is not Liechtenstein or Luxembourg. We have to assert ourselves,” said Prosor. “Anyone who attacks Israel will be held accountable. It is important for our security and the region that the deterrence scenario is maintained.”

Turkey is trying to play a mediating role in the Gaza war. Foreign Minister Fidan met Hamas foreign chief Hanija in Qatar. Israel defends itself against tutelage from outside. All developments in the live blog.