International body seeks to halt trade relations with Israel, enacting economic penalties
In a major development, the European Commission has proposed to suspend certain trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel. This decision follows a review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the Agreement, which found that actions taken by the Israeli government represent a breach of essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles.
Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, has expressed severe criticisms of this proposed suspension. In a sharp letter sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sa'ar argued that the proposal is being raised 'without any prior notice, in a rush, without any consultation with us, and contrary to the spirit of the agreement.'
Sa'ar further compared the current situation to the Holocaust, stating that harming Israel by Europe at a time when attempts are being made to annihilate the remaining survivors of the Jewish people and their sole state constitutes a trampling of every moral norm and a disregard for Europe's historical responsibility. He emphasized that pressuring Israel through sanctions is ineffective and Israel's right to defend itself.
The European Commission's proposal also includes imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers, 'settlers,' and members of the Hamas politburo. Sa'ar criticized the reliability of the information the European Commission is relying on, stating that it is based on unverified and distorted data under Hamas control. He argued that the proposal effectively empowers the terrorist organization Hamas.
The suspension will take effect 30 days after the notification to the EU-Israel Association Council. However, it needs to be adopted by the Council with a qualified majority. The European Commission has also stated that the European Union remains the biggest donor of humanitarian aid and an unwavering champion of the two-state solution. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the proposals reflect principled commitments to an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Sa'ar has raised concerns that EU action could strengthen Hamas and endanger efforts to restore calm. The European Commission's proposal also puts on hold its bilateral support to Israel, with the exception of support to civil society and Yad Vashem. The suspension concerns the core trade-related provisions of the Agreement, and imports from Israel will lose their preferential access to the EU market.
As the situation continues to unfold, both parties are urged to engage in open and constructive dialogue to find a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
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