EU Commission Advocates Extensive Punitive Measures Against Israel
The European Union (EU) has proposed new sanctions against Israel, a move that has sparked controversy and criticism from Israeli officials. The proposal, which requires the approval of 15 EU states representing at least 65% of the EU's total population, focuses on trade sanctions with a particular emphasis on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who are accused of human rights violations and incitement to hatred.
The EU Commission's proposal comes in response to alleged actions by the Israeli officials, which have been met with sharp criticism from Israel. Gideon Saar, Israel's Foreign Minister, has criticized the proposed sanctions as 'disproportionate' and 'unprecedented.' Saar also criticized the EU Commission for relying on information provided by Hamas, stating that this plays into the hands of the terrorist organization.
The total volume of trade in goods between the EU and Israel in 2024 was 42.6 billion euros, with EU exports to Israel worth 26.7 billion euros and EU imports from Israel worth 15.9 billion euros. However, the proposed sanctions could potentially impact this trade relationship.
Not all EU countries support the strict sanctions against Israel. Some smaller countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria have been against the proposed measures. Despite this, the EU Commission is urging Germany and Italy to support the plans for European trade sanctions against Israel or to propose other means of exerting pressure.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has appealed to Germany and Italy to support the plans. Without the yes from Rome or Berlin, the adoption of the EU Commission's proposal is currently not foreseeable.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the EU's proposed sanctions against Israel will be approved and how this could impact the relationship between the EU and Israel moving forward.
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