Israel to hold referendum on replacing Britain in EU
Bibi promises vote on joining the European Union as Brussels says a space is up for grabs when Brexit takes place
Benjamin Netanyahu has promised the Israeli people a referendum on joining the European Union, after Brussels said a space was up for grabs after Britain leaves.
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“The EU thinks Israel should replace the UK after March,” said Netanyahu, in reply to a question about visits by European countries and reports that some were still considering boycotting the event. “If they want us to replace Britain, it would seem strange to boycott us.”
Pressed on Israel’s possible membership of the EU, he said: “I will put it to the people of Israel in a referendum after the [Eurovision] show. Brussels is upbeat on the economy.
“It feels the eurozone will enjoy a feast of lots of trade deals in the coming years, which Israel could then be party to, so we need to think about it.”
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