Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government following the European Union's decision to cancel the reception in order to prevent the attendance of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
"Managing the foreign relations of a country like Israel is a complex undertaking, which requires expertise and a smart approach. During the time of the government for change, we brought relations with the European Union to an unprecedented boom that contributed to the Israeli economy and our political strength. Instead of continuing the positive line, the current government is getting us into unnecessary fights and created a crisis with the union only so that Ben-Gvir will once again embarrass us in front of the world with an unnecessary speech."