Anotace:
This text introduces the special forum focusing on the Czech foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine in the wake of the Hamas’ October 7 attack and the ensuing Israeli war in Gaza. It discusses the Czech political elites’ statements and decision-making regarding the Middle East that have been largely defined by starkly pro-Israeli positions. The introduction goes on to note how Prague’s decisions and steps on the EU and international level have become increasingly remarkable due to their uncritical support for the Israeli conduct in spite of the global criticism aimed at its breaches of international and humanitarian law. The introduction further briefly outlines individual contributions, arguing that the forum overall speaks to IR-relevant issues pertaining to the notion of a special relationship, the role of the domestic context for foreign policy, and the EU’s international position vis-a-vis the recent major conflict in its neighborhood.