Taoiseach says he told von der Leyen her Israel comments 'lacked balance'

President of European Commission has been been criticised for remarks she made about Middle East conflict

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is due to dial in to a European Council conference with EU leaders on Tuesday to discuss the Middle East conflict. Picture: AP Photo/Fermin Rodriguez

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said some of the statements made by the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the Israeli-Gaza situation lacked balance.

Mr Varadkar also said there is “enormous concern” that the fighting and killing will escalate and spread to other parts of the region.

Mr Varadkar made the comments during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil and also said he has told Ms von der Leyen his view on some of her statements.

It comes as Mr Varadkar is due to dial into a European Council conference with EU leaders later on Tuesday to discuss the unfolding crisis in the Middle East.

Ms von der Leyen has come in for criticism for comments she made about the conflict while she made a visit to Israel last Friday.

She expressed unreserved solidarity with Israel on behalf of the European Union but did not explicitly call on Israel to respect international law in its war on Gaza. 

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said she was grateful that Mr Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s positions have been clear that Israel is in breach of international law.

But she said to Mr Varadkar: “It's really concerning to hear your words this morning in this chamber because they're weak.” 

Ms Cairns pleaded with the Taoiseach to use his voice to represent Ireland at Tuesday’s European Council meeting and urged him not to “underestimate the importance of your voice”.

Mr Varadkar said: “While I think that Ursula von der Leyen has done an extremely good job as president of the European Commission, whether it's on issues such as climate issues, such as covid, such as Ukraine, some of the statements that she made lacked balance in my view, and I said that to her and had no difficulty saying that.

"I do think statements which she made more recently were more balanced, specifically talking about the tripling of the humanitarian aid for Gaza.” 

'Dangerous' comments

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said comments made by Ms von der Leyen were “reckless, inflammatory and dangerous”. 

Ms McDonald said Israel’s actions were “not defensive” and were offensive.

“EU Commission President von der Leyen, unqualified support for Israel's unmerciful military attack on the people of Gaza, her failure to assert the primacy of international law was reckless, inflammatory, and dangerous,” she said.

“Ms von der Leyen does not speak for Ireland.” 

She said the Taoiseach should call for an end to the bombardment of Gaza at the meeting of EU leaders.

Ms McDonald also said it was abundantly clear that Israel was not abiding by international or humanitarian law.

In response, Mr Varadkar said Ireland “unreservedly condemns” the “brutal attack by Hamas and other militant groups on Israel and the devastating loss of life that has caused”. 

He said Ireland is also demanding the release of all hostages without any conditions, immediately.

Mr Varadkar said: “Israel has the right to defend itself and to pursue Hamas terrorists who attack civilian population, and we accept that rage.

However, Israel's response must be exercised within the parameters of international humanitarian law. Even wars have rules.

"Collective punishment should not be inflicted on the population of Gaza.” 

He also said there must be the establishment of humanitarian corridors.

The Taoiseach added: “I expect the Council will repeat strong support for Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of brutal terrorist attacks, which occurred on Israeli soil and also to reconfirm our condemnation of Hamas.

“But I also expect and I hope that we will call for a de-escalation of this conflict and Ireland will be calling for a humanitarian pause so the refugees including some of our own citizens can get out and supplies get into Gaza.

“And when the fighting stops, let's hope it doesn't go on for too long.

"I think there'll be a need for a new peace initiative involving partners like the US like the EU, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other countries."