And Turkey is? It is one of two designated candidate countries along with Croatia. Bulgaria and Romania will be admitted in 2007. Tunisa entered into an Association Agreement with the EU in 1995. Morocco submitted applications to join the EU several times but was turned down.
A small part of Turkey is on European soil. Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania are clearly European countries.
It is nothing special that the EU has treaties with countries like Tunesia or Israel. But they never have a chance to become members.
P.S.
Turkey is likely to become a member in the long run, since this country is extremely important to Europe with its 70 million inhabitants. Politically and economically. Because the Turks have high economic growth (8.2 %) and a GDP of roundabout 510 billion US$ it is a interesting export market to the west European nations. Through the widespread Turkish immigrants in west European nations there are extremly close ties between Turkey and Europe.
This is for sure not the case with Israel, no matter what lip-service European politicans do. We shouldn't forget that Israel is a small nation with only 6 million inhabitants. The sole reason that it is still existing are the massive backings of the US. America is by far their biggest export and import partner. Their economy has no chance to develop as long the intifada will continue (just like the French economy :-)). Their only products are millitary BS and some fruit. The EU has more than enough of such stuff on its own. The exclusive reason to take Israel as a member nation of the EU would be political solidarity. Since Israel has de facto no friends in Europe, they better not expect any solidarity. I think that they continue to be completely dependent on the US as long as the Arabs will hate them.
As I said: Sad but true. Don't get me wrong - personally I have great respect of Israel since I am on their side and I have some family there. But because I know west European politics I try to see those things simply rational. In difference to the US, jews have no jewish lobby in Europe anymore (due to Hitlers nameless crimes). Therefore it will be difficult to get Europe on their side.