Mogherini slams Israeli charge of supporting terror

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini slammed Israeli accusations that the European Union supports terrorism-linked organisations as “unfounded and unacceptable” in a letter sent to Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan. The letter, dated July 5, was provided to DPA by Erdan’s spokeswoman yesterday. Mogherini’s office declined to comment on correspondence but reiterated the letter’s main points. A report filed by Erdan to Mogherini in May said that more than 5mn euros ($5.86mn) in EU funds were sent to 13 organisations that either have links to terrorist organisations or support boycotts of Israel. Mogherini noted that “vague and unsubstantiated accusations” only “contribute to disinformation campaigns.” Regarding boycotts of Israel, the EU’s top diplomat said EU funds are not being used for that purpose, although she noted that some of the NGOs could be linked to an international boycott movement of Israel known as BDS. “Simply because an organisation or individual is related to the BDS movements does not mean that this entity is involved in incitement to commit illegal acts,” she wrote.