In a move that has been met with disappointment by Jerusalem, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell is expected to be appointed the European Union's next foreign policy chief.
Borrell, 72, is set to replace Federica Mogherini, an unpopular figure in Israel due to her obstinate support for the Iran nuclear deal and her pro-Palestinian stance.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Following the elections for European Parliament, which saw the right-wing bloc grow in power, Israel had hoped the EU's foreign policy would also take a rightward turn. However, the decision by European leaders to appoint Borrell foreign policy chief, along with other appointments, has made it clear the bloc will continue to support Iran and the Palestinians and maintain its contrarian stance toward the US and Israel.
While Borrell volunteered at a kibbutz and even met his first wife in Israel, he has long since been an outspoken critic of the country.
About a year ago, he proposed the EU and its member-states unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. He has even threatened that Spain would make such a move on its own, although this has yet to happen.
Borrell lauded the Islamic Revolution in series of tweets marking 40 years to the event: "The literacy rate increased from 35% to 84%. Women's participation in the workforce increased from 5% to 47%.
"Iran is a key country in the Middle East. It is involved in wars in Syria and Yemen and is now in competition with Saudi Arabia. Forty years after [the] Vietnam [War], Iran is still an obsession for the US. Iran can survive the sanctions if [US President Donald] Trump is not re-elected. Otherwise, the regime will renew its nuclear program and double its regional aggression."
Asked in a newspaper interview about Iran's calls for Israel's destruction, Borrell replied, "Iran wants to wipe out Israel? There's nothing new here. We have to live with it."
It should be noted that Borrell's appointment requires European Parliament approval, and there is a small chance the body could vote against the move.
