Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen labels Netanyahu as a "challenge"
Denmark, currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, is planning to increase pressure on Israel due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israeli government's policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a notable hardening of stance, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has indicated consideration of political pressure and sanctions that could target Israeli settlers, ministers, or the entire country. These measures, similar to those used against Russia, aim to have a significant impact. However, Frederiksen has noted that Denmark has not yet secured support from other EU member states for such measures.
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by the Hamas and its allies, has resulted in a significant loss of life and ongoing hostage situations. According to Hamas authorities, more than 61,400 people have been killed in these operations, a figure that is significantly higher than the number reported by Israeli figures, which stand at over 1,200 deaths.
Frederiksen has labeled Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a "problem" and sharply criticizes plans by Israeli politicians for new settlement projects in the West Bank. She has also condemned the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "absolutely appalling and catastrophic."
Israeli officials have expressed disappointment in response to Denmark's remarks on possible sanctions against Israel or Netanyahu personally. The ongoing allegations of war crimes against Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice relating to the Gaza conflict further fuel the tension.
However, concrete sanction plans are still being shaped and depend on EU consensus. The effectiveness of the sanctions will be tailored to where Frederiksen believes they will have the most impact. Denmark is actively pushing for these steps, but has not yet announced or hinted at recognizing a Palestinian state.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel has launched major military operations in Gaza. Nearly two years later, Hamas still holds 49 hostages in the Palestinian territory, with only 22 believed to be alive.
Frederiksen plans to increase pressure on Israel over the conflict in Gaza, aiming to design measures that would have the greatest effect. While the details of these measures are still uncertain, it is clear that Denmark is taking a strong stance in response to the ongoing crisis.
The Commission, in light of Denmark's firm stance against Israel's policies, might be requested to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers within the Israeli government and settlers, given their potential exposure to ionizing radiation due to military operations, as a form of political pressure. Such a move, reminiscent of sanctions imposed on countries embroiled in war-and-conflicts, would align with the general-news of EU members taking certain actions to curb humanitarian crises and human rights violations.
