Ann Linde: Had rather seen that we had a better relationship with Israel

The relationship between Sweden and Israel has long been tense. With Margot Wallström (S) as Foreign Minister, Sweden recognized Palestine as a state in 2014.

After Ann Linde took office as Foreign Minister in September, she quickly booked personal meetings with both Israel and Palestine ambassadors in Sweden.

Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Ilan Ben-Dov, has been strongly critical of the Swedish government and in a debate article at the end of September he wrote that "Sweden's foreign policy towards Israel has for many years been characterized by extreme unilateralism and imbalance, sometimes even hostility. "

However, he wrote at the same time that a new start is possible between Israel and Sweden.

Palestinian Ambassador to Sweden Hala Fariz is considerably more satisfied with Swedish politics and says that recognition was necessary if one believes in a two-state solution.

When Ann Linde visited Agenda she said that it is very important that relations between Israel and Sweden are now normalized.

- As far as I think, I had a good conversation with the Israeli ambassador.

- We stand for a two-state solution. Of course, Israel must have safe, recognized borders and feel secure in its country. But we also believe that Palestinians must be able to live without occupation and without settlements in order for them to develop and see a future in their country.

But is it a problem that one ambassador is very satisfied with Swedish politics while the other is very dissatisfied?

- Then I have a lot to work with. I would rather have seen that we had an even better relationship with Israel, says Ann Linde.

The Israeli ambassador says he wants to see changes in Swedish politics to make it possible to invite the Foreign Minister to an official state visit to Israel.

- I think that you have not really trusted us to stand up for Israel to defend itself. It has found earlier statements from, not from the government, but from parts of society where they felt that we did not give Israel a justification for existence, says Linde.

But is it not the Swedish government policy that Israel has had problems with?

- You had problems with recognition. They were very dissatisfied and there Israel marked extremely strong.

- I think it's about building new relationships now. But I fully support the recognition of Palestine.

Ann Linde does not want to give any concrete example of politics that Sweden may change to improve its relationship with Israel.