| A more dangerous conflict for the EU is one that threatens to divide our Union. Unlike Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which has largely kept the 27 member states on the same page, the Middle East conflict is far more polarising. There is hardly anything worse than a divided nation. We saw it in the UK with Brexit, and we see it now, for the second time, in the US, where Trumpism is badly dividing society. The unfolding conflict in the Middle East, which started with the atrocities committed on 7 October, led to wars and horrendous destructions in Gaza and southern Lebanon antagonises societies across the EU and impacted national politics, which have greatly differed. The divisions came to the fore immediately. When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Israel days after the 7 October attack, she was accused of having an unacceptable level of bias even by her staff. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell expressed opposition to Israel’s military campaign and actively pushed for a two-state solution. Israel, in return, accused Borrell of anti-Semitism, a now default accusation when Netanyahu’s policies are questioned abroad. There are also divisions among member states. Czechia is considered one of the staunchest supporters of Israel within the EU, a stance consistently showcased in international forums such as the United Nations. Czechia, at all times, votes in line with Israeli interests, most recently against the humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. | 
