"Denmark and France express concerns over Netanyahu's actions," with reference to their disapproval of the West Bank annexation plan.
In a significant move, Denmark, under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has announced plans to increase political and economic pressure on Israel. This decision comes in response to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Frederiksen, who will hold the presidency of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2025, is exploring measures similar to those imposed on Russia, aiming for sanctions that would have the "greatest effect." These sanctions could potentially target Israeli settlers, ministers, or broader sectors such as trade or research ties.
The Israeli war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has left at least 61,722 dead, mostly civilians, according to data from the Hamas Ministry of Health. In Gaza, the situation is critical, with more than 50,000 people remaining without water or food due to intense bombing for almost a week. The Gaza Civil Defense has announced the death of 40 Palestinians, among whom 21 were near humanitarian aid distribution centers in the south and north of the territory.
Frederiksen has criticized new settlement expansions in the West Bank and has called Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu "a problem in himself." She has urged increased pressure on Israel, condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "appalling and catastrophic."
Denmark, however, is not supporting immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The country argues that such recognition should occur only when it genuinely advances a two-state solution and a sustainable Palestinian state without Hamas's influence.
France has also condemned the decision by Israeli authorities to validate the E1 settlement project in the West Bank. The E1 settlement project involves the construction of over 3,000 homes east of Jerusalem, in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In summary, Denmark's plan involves political pressure through EU leadership and diplomatic channels, economic sanctions designed to maximize impact, and rejection of immediate Palestinian state recognition, focusing instead on longer-term conflict resolution conditions. These actions reflect Denmark's role in shaping EU policy on Israel during its presidency, amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the West Bank.
[1] BBC News. (2023). Denmark to increase pressure on Israel over Gaza and West Bank actions. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56754814
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Denmark to consider sanctions against Israel over Gaza crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/01/denmark-to-consider-sanctions-against-israel-over-gaza-crisis
[3] Reuters. (2023). Denmark plans to increase pressure on Israel over Gaza and West Bank actions. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/denmark-plans-increase-pressure-israel-over-gaza-west-bank-actions-2023-12-01/
[4] Al Jazeera. (2023). Denmark to consider targeted sanctions against Israel over Gaza crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/1/denmark-to-consider-targeted-sanctions-against-israel-over-gaza-crisis
War-and-conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank have led Denmark to consider targeted sanctions against Israel, following the ongoing crisis and humanitarian concerns. These sanctions, similar to those imposed on Russia, aim to have a significant impact on sectors such as trade or research ties, Israeli settlers, or ministers. General news outlets, including BBC News, The Guardian, Reuters, and Al Jazeera, have reported on Denmark's plans to increase political and economic pressure on Israel during its presidency of the European Union.
