Conflict in Gaza reveals Europe's deep-seated inner turmoil
The European Commission has announced plans to impose sanctions on Israel following a United Nations commission's conclusion that Israel is perpetrating 'genocide' in Gaza. This decision comes as Israeli forces have begun major ground operations designed to occupy Gaza City.
Germany, the EU's economic and political powerhouse, holds a tortured position in this matter. Friedrich Merz, the new German leader, has been increasingly critical of Netanyahu's administration since taking office in February. However, domestic considerations and party pressure are likely to make it impossible for Merz's government to endorse the assessment that genocide is underway or take concrete action to curtail Israel-EU trade.
Last month, Merz banned the export of all German weapons that could be used by Israel in Gaza. This decision, while significant, was met with a party backlash, making it unlikely that Merz will endorse the European Commission's plans to suspend the EU's trade deal with Israel.
The EU's record of action against what its leaders have condemned as Israel's man-made famine this year has been one of strong words immediately undermined by weak follow-through. The proposals include imposing duties on more than one-third of Israel's trade with the EU, which was worth €42.6 billion last year. However, without Germany's support, the penalties on trade will not have the backing of the qualified majority of EU countries needed to be enacted.
Formal sanctions against Israeli ministers require the unanimous support of all 27 EU governments to pass. Several other countries including Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Austria had also declined to support measures to punish Israel. Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, stated that the new package will have a high cost for Israel.
The EU as a whole remains hopelessly split on the issue, with ever more governments taking their own steps, but the EU as a whole remains divided. Some believe Germany and others may support more sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, but not the suspension of trade.
Meanwhile, Merz denounced a new wave of antisemitism in a speech at a synagogue in Munich, expressing concern about the socialization of antisemitism in countries of origin of recent immigrants. This statement comes as the European Commission is set to propose detailed proposals for suspending preferential trade terms with Israel, a move that could have significant economic and political implications for both parties.
The European Commission's announcement comes at a critical time, as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Countries that fail to act to stop genocide can potentially be treated as complicit under the Genocide Convention, adding a moral dimension to the EU's decision-making process. The coming days and weeks will likely see intense negotiations and debates within the EU as they grapple with this complex and sensitive issue.
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