JAKARTA - The European Union announced the cancellation of the European Day commemoration in Tel Aviv on Monday, after Israel's extremist National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, insisted he would attend the event.
The EU delegation to Israel said it would still celebrate European Day on Tuesday, but regretted "this year we decided to cancel a diplomatic reception, because we don't want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values championed by the European Union".
The EU's dissatisfaction with Ben-Gvir as a government representative for celebrations in Tel Aviv emerged in reports on Israeli media on Sunday.
Israeli government officials confirmed on Monday that Ben-Gvir was "appointed to attend EU events".
Ben-Gvir, who has a history of inciting comments about Palestinians, was charged more than 50 times in his youth on charges of inciting violence or hate speech. He was convicted in 2007 for supporting terrorist groups and inciting racism.
In addition, he has recommended the annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he lives in a Jewish settlement. Such settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Ben-Gvir, head of the right-wing party Jewish Power, issued a statement saying he was a assigned representative and had "confirmed his arrival."
He also provided details about the speech he would deliver at the event.
"The minister thinks that although representatives of the European Union do not support his opinion, according to their statement, they understand very well that Israel is a democratic country and in democracy you are allowed to hear other opinions as well," the Ben-Gvir office said.
On Monday, EU foreign policy chief spokesman Josep Borrell said they were "consulting" about what to do regarding the reception.
"We don't support Ben-Gvir's political views," Peter Stano told a news conference.
"We do not support the political views of his party, because it is very contrary to all the values and principles fought for and believed by the European Union," he stressed.
Despite announcing the cancellation of diplomatic celebrations, the EU delegation in Israel will still hold a "cultural event for the Israeli public", to celebrate "strong and constructive bilateral relations."
Following the announcement, Ben-Gvir denounced the European Union, accusing it of being hypocritical and "unsymphological mouths".
It is known, European Day is an annual celebration of European unity and peace.
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