The appeal argues that the EU's case suffers from unprofessional methodology and relies heavily on media publications and reports from organizations identified with far-left political positions. According to the filing, the evidence contains numerous distortions and misrepresentations.
As one example, the appeal points to the EU's attribution of a school demolition in the village of Jabat al-Dib to Regavim, when in fact Israeli state authorities carried out the demolition under order from the Jerusalem District Court due to immediate structural collapse danger.
Beyond challenging the quality of evidence and procedure, Regavim emphasizes that the appeal addresses the fundamental use of sanctions in what it calls an anti-democratic and oppressive manner, without any hearing or due process. The organization argues that such sanctions create uncertainty for all citizens, who cannot predict if, when, or on what grounds they might be targeted.
The sanctions significantly restrict the rights of EU citizens to donate to or support Regavim's legal activities, and prohibit business relationships with European-registered companies, including banks, credit card companies, payment processors, and other international financial service providers.
"Beyond the economic damage, the sanctions constitute a serious violation of free speech and the rule of law, as they punish a civil society organization operating lawfully simply for exercising its right to petition Israeli courts and participate in democratic processes," the organization stated.
Regavim CEO Meir Deutsch characterized the EU's actions as creating "an embarrassing legal smokescreen to persecute a legitimate civil society organization, simply because it publicly criticizes the Union's unlawful actions."
"The appeal we filed in Luxembourg is designed not only to defend Regavim's activities and reverse the severe economic damage caused by the sanctions, but also to stand firmly against the European attempt to intimidate civil society and the Israeli public, as part of its broader efforts to advance the establishment of a Palestinian terror state that would endanger Israel's future," Deutsch added.
