The European Commission advocates for extensive penalties towards Israel
The European Union (EU) has proposed sanctions against Israel, targeting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, over alleged human rights violations and incitement to hatred, a move that has sparked controversy among some EU countries.
The proposal, put forward by the EU Commission, is a response to Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which the Commission views as a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. However, not all EU countries are in agreement. Germany and Italy, among others, have expressed reservations about Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's initiative.
Von der Leyen has called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the release of all Hamas-held hostages. Meanwhile, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has appealed to Germany and Italy to support or propose alternatives to the EU's plans for trade sanctions against Israel.
The EU Commission's proposal to sanction Israeli ministers is unprecedented, as such sanctions have never been implemented against other countries, according to Saar. This criticism has been echoed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who has labelled the proposal as "disproportionate" and "unprecedented."
Saar has also accused the EU Commission of relying on Hamas' statements and playing into the terrorist organization's hands. He maintains that Israel was forced into the Gaza war after Hamas' terrorist attack and will not be intimidated by threats as long as its security is at risk.
The objective of the initiative is to change Israel's approach in the Gaza Strip. The EU Commission also suggests new sanctions against the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas.
The adoption of trade sanctions requires the approval of 15 of the 27 EU countries, representing at least 65% of the EU's total population. Without support from Rome or Berlin, the adoption of trade sanctions is currently not foreseeable, as some smaller EU countries have so far questioned their support for the EU initiative.
Israel's trade with the EU accounted for around 32% of its total international goods trade in 2024, with a total trade volume in goods between the EU and Israel reaching €42.6 billion. Removing Israel's trade preferences would affect 37% of its exports to the EU, as the EU is Israel's main trading partner.
Kallas noted that planned trade sanctions would impose high costs on Israel. However, the EU Commission's proposal could put significant pressure on the Israeli government, potentially influencing its actions in the Gaza Strip.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the EU's proposal for trade sanctions against Israel will be adopted or if alternative solutions will be proposed to address the ongoing conflict.
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