Israeli, Iranian musicians unite for Tel Aviv concert

BRUSSELS — European Union foreign ministers are to discuss whether to hold highlevel talks with Israel soon amid concern over its settlement policy and commitment to a two-state solution, diplomats said Friday.

The diplomats said the EU must be clear in its dealings with Israel.

One said that any future official talks with Israel could not be “business as usual.” and calling for its annihilation.

In recent years, Israel has regarded Iran as its most dangerous adversary because of its suspect nuclear program, its development of long-range missiles and continued support for hostile militant groups along its borders — particularly Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas and the Palestinian Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.

Meeting with Israelis, let alone visiting their country, is considered an offense in Iran that could have severe repercussions.

“I am very pleased to break that taboo. I do it in the name of art,” Najafi, 36, said through a translator

Najafi is no stranger to controversy. He was forced to flee the Islamic Republic over a decade ago because of his activism and was later issued a death sentence for a song about a Shiite cleric that was deemed blasphemous. Now based in Germany, he still has a strong following among those opposed to the regime in Iran.

In recent years, he has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he has called a “tyrant” who needs to step down. .

DAN BALILTY/ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Iranian Shahin Najafi, right, and Israeli Aviv Geffen rehearse in Tel Aviv, Israel. In a first joint Israeli-Iranian concert, the rockers hope to prove that despite enmity between their countries, ordinary people can find common ground.