EU Proposes Trade Sanctions Against Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

The European Union has proposed significant measures to curb trade relations with Israel and impose sanctions on certain Israeli ministers in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This initiative, announced on September 17, 2023, marks the EU’s most assertive action regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region. However, resistance from influential member states could impede the implementation of these proposals.

In a decisive move, the EU’s executive branch announced it would immediately freeze approximately €20 million (about US$23.7 million) in bilateral support for Israel. This decision reflects growing pressure on the 27-nation bloc to respond to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been described as devastating. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop.”

The proposals include suspending parts of a cooperation agreement that currently allows for reduced tariffs on Israeli goods, which could impact more than a third of Israel’s exports to the EU, valued at around €6 billion. Products affected would include key agricultural items, such as dates and nuts. Additionally, the EU is calling for asset freezes and visa bans on far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose remarks have been criticized for exacerbating tensions.

Simon Harris, the Irish foreign minister, hailed the proposals, stating, “Today marks a critical turning point in holding Israel accountable.” Despite this, support from key member states, notably Germany and Italy, poses challenges for the bloc’s efforts. Initial discussions aimed at reducing funding for Israeli tech startups were already stalled due to this reluctance.

The EU Commission retains the authority to freeze bilateral support independently, although this action will not affect funding directed towards civil society organizations or Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to the EU’s proposals by urging against the imposition of sanctions, asserting that “Pressure through sanctions will not work.” In contrast, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas clarified that the intention is not to punish Israel but to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The urgency for EU action has intensified as Israel has faced increasing international condemnation for its military operations, including a significant ground assault on Gaza City. This escalation follows an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have claimed the lives of at least 64,964 people, also mainly civilians, based on figures cited by the territory’s health ministry, regarded as reliable by the United Nations.

As the situation evolves, the EU’s proposed measures represent a pivotal moment in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, balancing the need for accountability with the complexities of international diplomacy. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape future relations between the EU and Israel, as well as impact humanitarian efforts in Gaza.