EU Proposes Trade Restrictions adn sanctions Targeting Israeli Officials
Brussels - The European Commission on Wednesday formally proposed a package of measures designed to pressure Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including a partial suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement and direct sanctions against key Israeli ministers. The proposed trade restrictions are estimated to cost Israel €227 million annually, equivalent to approximately 2.5 billion Swedish krona.
The move, previewed last week by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address, reflects growing international concern over the escalating conflict and its devastating impact on civilians. While the EU insists the goal is not to punish Israel, but to influence policy, the proposals have exposed divisions among member states regarding the appropriate response. The Commission’s plan targets individuals and entities deemed responsible for exacerbating the crisis, and initiates a process that could significantly alter the economic and political relationship between the EU and israel.
Specifically, the Commission is proposing sanctions against Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, identified as especially hardline figures within the Israeli government. in addition, sanctions are proposed against three Israeli settlers and six organizations considered extremist, alongside ten representatives of Hamas.
“I want to be very clear. The goal is not to punish israel. The goal is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” von der leyen stated during a press conference in Brussels, as reported by Politico.
The proposals now face scrutiny from EU member states, who must reach a consensus for the measures to be implemented. The outcome of these deliberations remains uncertain, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the EU’s role in mediating the situation.
