EU cancels Israel event due to far-right minister's involvement

The European Union delegation in Israel cancelled its Europe Day diplomatic reception over the planned participation of far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who criticised the decision as a form of "silencing". National Security Minister Ben-Gvir was set to represent the Israeli government at this year's reception. The EU reaction underlines the diplomatic upsets facing the religious-nationalist coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose alliance with Ben-Gvir and fellow pro-settler leader Bezalel Smotrich has caused unease even among Israel's international allies.