As evidence piles up of Israel’s flouting of international law and humanitarian norms, Europe engages in a kind of ritual rhetoric, without taking action. The refrain — “We are reviewing our trade relations with Israel and may contemplate suspension of our trade agreements” — is a diplomatic cliché devoid of urgency or consequence.

Not only is Europe’s posture ineffective, but it also reflects a deeper moral failure. Invariably, economic interests, historical guilt, and strategic alliances override the principles Europe proclaims.

Outrage without Consequence Performance

The European Commission recently suggested the suspension of trade concessions and the sanctioning of extremist Israeli ministers on account of breaches of human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Yet, even this was partial and conditional. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, acknowledged: “We will contact Israel to present our findings and look at how we can improve the situation on the ground”—a statement that epitomizes delay and deflection.

Amnesty International additionally described the EU’s decision to “review” relations as “devastatingly late”, underscoring that Israel has been carrying on atrocities in Gaza with “chilling impunity”. The rhetoric of “review” and “contemplation” acts like a diplomatic tranquilizer, numbing calls for accountability while emboldening Israeli leaders.

This is a very familiar pattern. In 2014, following Israel’s assault on Gaza, the EU pronounced statements of “grave concern” while continuing to deepen trade relations. The repetition of these hollow........

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