Confirming an earlier report by European Jewish Press, the EU’s External Service announced that EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and had an exchange of views on EU-Israel relations, the Middle East Peace Process and regional issues. In their conversation they committed to revitalise the EU-Israel dialogue after the dispute on settlement products labeling.

In a statement, Mogherini expressed ‘’solidarity with the people of Israel who have suffered from terrorist violence.’’

She restated the EU's ‘’unequivocal’’ condemnation of all terrorist acts and incitement to terrorism and violence and repeated the commitment of the EU to the security of the State of Israel.

In their phone conversation, Mogherini and Netanyahu discussed recent developments in the bilateral relations following the EU's controversial decision last November to label Iraeli products originating beyond the 1967 lines. The decision, which was rejected by Israel as ‘’discriminatory’’, caused strains in the diplomatic relations between the two sides with Jerusalem suspending its diplomatic dialogue with the EU to protest the measure.

Mogherini confirmed that responsibility for implementing the measure rests with the competent authorities of the Member States.

The EU foreign affairs chief reiterated the EU's commitment to the two state solution and pointed out that the labeling notice ‘’is without prejudice to any final status issues, including borders, which should be settled in direct negotiations between the parties.’’

She also reiterated that the indication of origin for Israeli products from beyond the Green Line ‘’does not constitute a boycott and should in no way be interpreted as such,’’, as she stressed the EU's opposition to boycotts against Israel and its firm rejection of BDS attempts to isolate Israel.

With the resumption of the diplomatic dialogue, Mogherini and Netanyahu agreed to convene the EU-Israel Association Council ‘’at the earliest possible opportunity.’’

‘’In order to ensure its proper preparation, they committed to effectively use all mechanisms available under the EU-Israel Association Agreement,’’ tbe EU statement said.

Mogherini reiterated that the EU ‘’will continue to play its role in the Middle East Peace Process, together with other international partners, including the Quartet and regional stakeholders.’’