Multiple reports indicate the EU is split on imposing sanctions on Israel. Proposals for a part suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement remain on the table but require states to shift their positions to come into force, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She said there was insufficient support among member states for the proposals, with no change in positions to back either a full or partial suspension of the agreement, as reported by major media.
Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia pressed Kallas to reopen a part suspension of Israel’s association agreement with the EU, multiple reports show. They described conditions in Gaza as unbearable, marked by continued violations of the ceasefire agreement and insufficient entry of humanitarian aid. The situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating, with escalating violence against Palestinians by radical settlers acting with impunity, according to the three countries.
However, EU foreign ministers rejected calls to end preferential trade with Israel in connection with allegations of war crimes, major media reports. A full suspension would require unanimous support from all 27 member states, while a partial suspension would require a qualified majority, according to major media. Several larger member states, including Germany and Italy, were not expected to support such measures, major media says.
Germany said the proposal to suspend the agreement was inappropriate, as reported by major media. A number of EU countries, including Germany, have criticised Israel’s continued military campaign in the region, as well as recent legislative developments in the Knesset, major media reports. Kallas rejected claims that the EU was applying double standards, stating that the bloc is among the largest supporters of Palestinians.
In other actions, Kallas said she would refer the proposal from Sweden and France regarding tariffs on goods from Israeli settlements to the EU trade commissioner in the coming days, according to major media. The EU will add to wide-ranging restrictions on Iran by adopting new sanctions on Iranians involved in limiting free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Kallas said. The EU would aim to adopt the sanctions on Iran in May, she added.