The European Union’s condemnation of US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital shows that they are afraid to stand with Israel, Czech President Milos Zeman said.
"The European Union, cowards, are doing all they can so a pro-Palestinian terrorist movement can have supremacy over a pro-Israeli movement," Zeman said, according to the AFP.
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He spoke Saturday at an event with the far right Freedom and Direct Democracy Party.
Zeman and the Czech Republic are known for their strong support of Israel. Immediately after Trump’s deceleration about Jerusalem on Wednesday, the Czech Foreign Ministry announced its recognition of west Jerusalem.
In September, Zeman also spoke of the international cowardice with regard to Israel, citing as an example its refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state or acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
He went even further, calling on the embassies in Tel Aviv to be moved to Jerusalem during a speech he gave in New York at a gala event by the newspaper The Algemeiner.
“I proposed this removal four years ago during my visit to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told me, if so, I will give you my own house. I hope his promise is still valid. Anyway, now after the same promise of Donald Trump in the election campaign I think it might be a good hint and this hint might be followed by some courageous countries, not all countries, but courageous countries. This is a concrete step toward real solidarity [with Israel] and not solidarity by words only" he said.
Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis called the Czech Ambassador in Israel to thank him for his country’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
"You are a brave people, who are not afraid to fight, on our side, for the truth. The Czech Republic is a true friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” Akunis said.
To date, his country has not made good on Zeman's statement. But the Czech’s stance on Jerusalem marks a break from the position of the 27 other members of the EU as articulated by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
She has downplayed the significant of the Czech’s position, and has issued a number of statements condemning Trump’s declaration and his intention to relocate the US Embassy.
She is expected to speak with Netanyahu about the issue in Brussels on Monday when he speaks with the EU’s 28 ministers.