EU defends tough love approach towards Israel's legal overhaul.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, defended a parliamentary debate on Israel's policies in the West Bank and the judicial overhaul being pushed through the Knesset, saying it was not interference but a way of showing interest and appreciation for Israeli democracy. The debate, which featured criticism of Israel and calls to cut ties, was met with disapproval from Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who has spoken out repeatedly against European interference in Israeli domestic affairs. Borrell stressed that the EU recognizes Israel's right to defend itself, but settlements are illegal under international law and their expansion must stop, as well as demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes.