"Israel has the right to defend itself. Iran is the main source of regional instability". The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has taken a clear stance in favor of Israel in its military confrontation with Iran, and has conveyed this to the country's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Iran is the main source of regional instability. Europe has always been clear: Iran can never acquire nuclear weapons. It is urgent to find a negotiated solution," Von der Leyen added in a post on her X social media profile, where she informed about the conversation with Netanyahu.
"We have consistently expressed our deep concern about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, the same missiles that are indiscriminately hitting cities not only in Israel, but also in Ukraine," emphasized the President of the Commission.
Von der Leyen's stance is similar to that of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, or the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in recent days. On one hand, Israel has the right to defend itself against Iran, and on the other, there is great concern about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
"The Prime Minister was clear in stating that Israel has the right to legitimate defense and expressed the UK's serious concerns about Iran's nuclear program," for example, the UK Government stated last Friday.
"France has repeatedly condemned Iran's ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response. In this context, France reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself and ensure its security," Macron also posted on Friday on his social media.
"Unacceptable" situation in Gaza
Returning to the conversation between Von der Leyen and Netanyahu, the President also conveyed to him that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable". "I reiterated our urgent call to allow all humanitarian aid to reach civilians in need immediately," she emphasized. The President also states that "it is essential to resume the ceasefire and immediately release the hostages, so that a permanent end to hostilities can finally be achieved."
Von der Leyen has faced criticism from some quarters for her lack of firmness in addressing the situation in Gaza, a sentiment that has even extended to the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Last May, the EU agreed to review the Association Agreement with Israel in the face of the "catastrophe" in the Strip and with the aim of "saving lives."