By SHLOMO BEN-AMI [as reported by Akiva Eldar in Haaretz] – In recent years, with the rise of the right in Western Europe, there has been an improvement in the attitude of important leaders there, like German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Key governments in Europe contributed to the United Nations Security Council condemnation not mentioning Israel explicitly. Israel’s main problems in Europe are public opinion, the media and non-governmental organizations. This stems not only from Israel’s behavior but also from the political culture in Europe. Since the fall of Berlin, public opinion in Europe has not taken kindly, to put it mildly, to a state whose answers go through the use of force. Europe is not yet free of guilty feelings for the Holocaust and colonialism. This is part of the explanation for the frivolous ease with which images of the Holocaust are applied in Europe to Palestinians. For generations we have branded this mark of Cain on Europe’s forehead and today there is a process there of catharsis for Israel’s sins. Stupid moves of ours like the siege of Gaza and the settlements are adding fuel to the fire.

How far are relations with Europe liable to degenerate?

The governments in Europe, including right-wing governments, can’t ignore the street’s eroding attitude toward Israel. At the same time, they have not entirely lost hope that the Israeli government will go in the right direction and they will be able to play a role in the peace process. In recent years Europe has been ahead of the United States…. Europe is more aware than the United States of the problems of nationalism and struggles for independence, but the European diplomatic vision is limping behind the Americans and focusing on a policy of statements from the Council of Ministers. To what extent is the cold shoulder the European Union has given Turkey nudging it into the Islamic and Arab corner and distancing it from Israel?

Continued at Haaretz | More Chronicle & Notices.