Uneasy Neighbors: Israel and the European Union presents a concise and thorough analysis of significant aspects of Israeli-European relations from the late 1950s to the present day. Its primary concern is to examine major facets of the troubled Israeli-European relations, which are characterized by a love-hate relationship fueled by economic passion and occasional political hostility. This study of Israeli-European relations is important not only because it explores this unusual relationship, but also because it offers insights into how the European Union (E.U.) is actually judged by Israelis as well as serves as an important indicator of how well European intentions have been translated into observable actions in both Israel and the Middle East. In addition, Israeli-European relations reflect what has been faced by the E.U. in the process of setting-up its foreign policy instruments. In other words, the book offers both an analysis of Israeli-European relations, and an observation on the Union's emerging role as an international actor, especially in the Middle East. Despite the importance of Israeli-European relations, the subject has received relatively little attention in the fields of Israeli, European and Middle East studies, outside the context of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A review of the academic literature reveals a limited number of studies on Israeli-E.U. relations. This book attempts to fill this academic gap in our grasp of major aspects of this relationship. Each of the chapters reflects on different dimensions of this relationship. The emphasis is on across-the-board observations and crucial areas for the understanding of Israeli-European relations. In this regard, while the chapters were designed to add up to an inclusive study, each of them can also be read individually.

"Pardo (ben-Gurion Univ., Israel) and Peters (Virginia Tech) present a clear, concise introduction to EU and Israeli policies toward each other without taking sides, which is impressive in itself. They find that frustration is the defining characteristic of Israel-EU relations. Expectations are too high on each side, and this situation will not be easily overcome because the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is always a part of the picture. The EU accounts for one-third of Israel's international trade. Israeli leaders talk about formally enhancing their association with the EU through new treaty arrangements ? la the European Neighborhood Policy. Some even express the desire to join the EU. However, this is clearly not possible for reasons inherent in the internal politics of both the EU and Israel. Moreover the Israelis resist any participation on the part of the EU in the Middle East peace process. The Israeli press reports incessantly about anti-Semitism in Europe, whether its incidence is rising or declining. For their part, the EU wants better ties with Israel and with Arab countries. In the European view, this can only happen if the Israeli-Palestinian situation improves. Recommended." - CHOICE, September 2010

"All in all, this book is a highly insightful, thoroughly researched analysis of Israeli-EU relations and, in filling a major research gap, it should remain relevant for some time to come. Pardo and Peters have proved yet again that they are excellent analysts of Israeli foreign policy and Israeli-EU relations, and that the study of EU external relations can indeed be stimulating. This is a must-read for anyone who follows the many facets of the complex relationship between two actors who are still searching for their real role in their neighbourhoods." - Cambridge Review of International Affairs