EU Commission Proposes New Sanctions Against Israel Amidst Division

EU Commission Considers Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a new round of sanctions against Israel, despite deep divisions among EU member states on how to address the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip. The proposal aims to pressure Israel to improve humanitarian access to Gaza. During her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen expressed her shock at the events unfolding in Gaza, stating, "What is happening in Gaza is shaking the conscience of every human being." She added, "Man-made famine should never be a weapon of war. This has to stop, for the children, for humanity."

Divisions Among Member States

In response to Israeli military operations in Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid access, the EU proposed in July to suspend some future funding to the Israeli private sector in the field of scientific research. However, member states held differing views on the measure, with countries like Hungary and Germany opposing sanctions against Israel, arguing that it could impede communication channels. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for action before the European Parliament, stating, "We cannot be paralyzed." She added that the European Commission would do everything in its power to take independent action.

Proposed Sanctions

Von der Leyen announced that the European Commission would suspend bilateral support for Israel, with the exception of cooperation with Israeli civil society organizations and cooperation related to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. In addition, the Commission will propose that member states adopt further sanctions, including sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers, and a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which covers trade areas. Von der Leyen acknowledged the difficulty of securing majority support for these measures, but urged member states to take responsibility. It should be noted that the imposition of sanctions requires unanimous approval from EU member states, while measures related to trade require a "weighted" majority.

EU Efforts to Resolve the Conflict

In addition, von der Leyen criticized the Israeli government for undermining the two-state solution by cutting off funding to the Palestinian Authority and expanding settlements in the West Bank. She stressed that the EU would not allow this to happen and that the only viable peace plan is one based on the two-state solution. She also announced that the European Commission would work with regional partners to form a "Palestinian Donor Group" to provide financial support for the reconstruction of Gaza. This move comes in response to increasing pressure von der Leyen has faced from MEPs, large-scale protests in European cities, as well as internal protests from European Commission staff. These developments highlight the complex challenges facing the EU in its attempt to influence the course of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, considering the conflicting interests of member states and the pressing humanitarian concerns.