For Europe this issue here, the peace process, is one of the most important issues in our presidency," Asselborn said. "I am very glad to give you all the support you need from the European Union."

The EU is Israel's largest trading partner and with the expansion of the bloc from 15 to 25 member states last May, Israel hopes to boost its exports to Europe. At the same time, Israel is reluctant to give the EU a larger role in Middle East peacemaking, regarding it as biased toward the Palestinians.

Asselborn is scheduled to meet later Wednesday with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and other Israeli officials. On Thursday he will travel to the Gaza Strip - a rare visit there by a top EU official - for talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Nabil Sha'ath.
 
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/529373.html
 
 
It is important to keep in mind that the EU is Israel's LARGEST TRADING PARTNER and therefore has a huge influence on Israel's
decisions.