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This week, it's a trip that has required a great deal of diplomacy.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been under pressure
from two sides during his trip to London and Berlin. On the one
hand he does not want to damage relations with Europe. On the
other, Israel's conservatives expect him to issue a clear
rejection of Europe's hopes for a halt to settlement building
in the Palestinian territories and recognition of a Palestinian
state. Such expectations do not leave Netanyahu much room for
compromise.

 Furthermore, Netanyahu's trip comes shortly after the eruption
of a diplomatic row with Sweden, the country currently holding
the EU Presidency after a Swedish newspaper alleged Israeli
 troops stole and then sold the body parts of dead Palestinians.
The Swedish government’s refusal to condemn the story has
provoked outrage in Israel. Not a good basis for a trip to Europe.

Up to now relations between Israel and Europe have been friendly.
 The link between Germany and Israel is especially strong. But
following the dispute over the Swedish newspaper article, European
states are split over what sort of policy they should be adopting
 towards Israel. One thing is certain however: Netanyahu will be
under pressure from Europe to move forward the peace process
between Israelis and Palestinians.

We’re interested in your opinion on: Israel and Europe -
a Tense Reception for Netanyahu?

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