On October 7, as Israel began its latest war on Gaza following Hamas's incursion into southern Israel, the European Union's position was immediately clear. "Israel has a right to defend itself – today and in the days to come," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X, alongside an image of her office's headquarters lit up with Israel's flag. "The European Union stands with Israel." Israel has since been placed on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague and its leaders – as well as a top Hamas commander – have been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Yet the EU continues to partner with Israeli institutions under its "Horizon" scheme, a programme that funds research and innovation.