The European Union has  canceled Tuesday’s planned Europe Day reception  in Tel Aviv in order to prevent  national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, from participating and speaking during the event.

 "Regrettably, this year we have decided to cancel the diplomatic reception, as we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the EU stands for," the EU said in a statement.

Minister  Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit  party responded angrily.

 "It is a shame that the European Union, which claims to represent the values of democracy and multiculturalism, practices undiplomatic silencing,” he said. 

KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Maya Sion Tzedkiyahu, Director of the Program on Israel- Europe Relations program at the Mitvim Institute for Regional Foreign Policies.

(Photo:Flash90)