In an interview with Radio SRF, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg commented on the crisis in the Middle East, the pro-Israel stance of the Austrian government and the question of whether Israel’s security is part of Austria’s raison d’état, as is the case with Germany. He also comments on the talks between Switzerland and the EU.
SRF: As a private individual, you are still stunned and shocked by Hamas’ attack on Israel four weeks ago. As a politician, how do you view the crisis in the Middle East?
Alexander Schallenberg: As Europeans, we see that we have a ring of fire around Europe. We have Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, we have a looming humanitarian crisis in Armenia, we have tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, we have a crisis in the Sahel, and now, with all the cruelty, the Palestinian question has returned. That worries you. But I think what we’re trying to do now is to respond to these multiple crises with a cool head.
As Austria, it took us a long time, perhaps too long, to face up to our historical responsibility.
The Austrian government has firmly supported Israel from the start. Why?
There are three reasons. One is our historical responsibility towards Israel. As Austria, it took us a long time, perhaps too long, to face our historical responsibility and come to terms with the darkest chapters of our history. Today we have a broad and deep strategic partnership with Israel. Second, Israel is the only pluralistic, constitutional democracy in the region. We as the EU cannot be indifferent to this. Israel is part of our family of values. And thirdly, this is about the fight against a terrorist attack that can be compared to 9/11 in the USA.
We as the EU cannot be indifferent to this. Israel is part of our family of values.
Since Angela Merkel, Germany has said that Israel’s security is German reasons of state. Would you say the same for Austria?
Yes absolutely. For the reasons mentioned. I believe that we Europeans in particular must be aware of the special responsibility that we have and should have towards the Israeli state.
Hamas wants there to be civilian casualties.
The question remains: How do you protect the civilian population in the Gaza Strip? How do you get Israel to comply with international humanitarian law?
But that is precisely the difference between a terrorist organization like Hamas and Israel. Israel is doing its best to protect the civilian population. They drop leaves, they call ahead, they call for evacuation. Hamas wants there to be civilian casualties.
And there needs to be a political process that includes the Palestinians.
And the question is, what comes next? Israel may destroy Hamas. And then?
This is one of the really big questions that is still unanswered. Two things are important: The normalization process with the Abraham Accords should be able to survive. And there needs to be a political process that includes the Palestinians.
On the relationship between Switzerland and the EU. Can you confirm that exploratory talks between the two sides have concluded?
I welcome the many rounds of negotiations that have taken place and that – I believe – landing zones have been defined for the open questions.
You have close ties to Switzerland. If you put yourself in Switzerland’s position, can you actually understand the skepticism towards Brussels?
I’m having a hard time with this; Brussels and the European Union are not the enemy.
The interview was conducted by Oliver Washington.