EU Commission suggests extensive penalties against Israel

The European Commission has announced its intention to impose sanctions on Israel due to its actions in the Gaza Strip. The proposed sanctions aim to pressure Israel to change its course of action, following a series of military offensives and humanitarian issues that have been deemed a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The EU Commission's sanctions would significantly impact Israel's trade relations with the European Union. Approximately 37% of Israel's exports to the EU would be affected, making the EU its most important trading partner. In 2024, the total trade volume in goods between the EU and Israel was 42.6 billion euros, with EU imports from Israel worth 15.9 billion euros and EU exports to Israel worth 26.7 billion euros.

Israeli imports would lose their preferential access to the EU market and be subject to tariffs at the same level as those applied to other countries without a free trade agreement if the sanctions are imposed. This could potentially disrupt the smooth flow of trade between the two regions.

The EU Commission has targeted two Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister) and Itamar Ben-Gvir (Police Minister), for human rights violations and incitement to hatred. The Commission also proposes new sanctions against the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, which triggered the Gaza war by carrying out a terrorist attack on Israel.

The adoption of the sanctions in the Council of Member States requires the approval of 15 of the 27 EU countries, representing at least 65% of the EU's total population. However, some EU countries, including Germany and Italy, might not support the proposal. To date, no EU countries have publicly declared their support for the European Commission's proposed sanctions against Israel.

EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas has appealed to Germany and Italy for support or alternative measures for European trade sanctions against Israel. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already announced the decision to freeze funds earmarked for Israel from an EU pot for international cooperation.

The proposed sanctions have been met with criticism from Israeli officials. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has dismissed the recommendations as 'morally and politically distorted' and expressed hope they would not be adopted. EU Council President António Costa stated that Europe cannot accept the measures taken by the Israeli government in Gaza and the West Bank.

The European Commission believes that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is a result of Israel's military offensive. Commission President von der Leyen has called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The Commission is urging Israel to take steps to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

As the situation continues to unfold, the potential impact of the proposed sanctions on Israel and the EU remains uncertain. The EU Commission's proposal serves as a stark reminder of the international community's concern over the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the need for a peaceful resolution.