The proposed commission offers a tough front to Russia, with the new defense brief going to former Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius, one of several hawkish Russia critics in eastern Europe to receive a prominent role.

Another was Estonia’s ex-premier Kaja Kallas, who had already been selected as the bloc’s new foreign policy chief. She will replace Spain’s Josep Borrell, whose tenure was marked by pointed criticism of Israel.

Kallas has not been generally outspoken on Israel, and has focused on the threat Russia poses to the Baltic states and the rest of Europe.