The sanctions target three Israeli settlers and four organizations that the EU says are involved in violence and extremism in the West Bank. The measures include travel bans and freezing of their assets.
For months, an agreement was blocked because Hungary opposed further sanctions. After the political change in Budapest, the resistance to new measures disappeared and the EU countries were able to reach agreement.
Consequences
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it was time to break the deadlock. According to her, violence and extremism must have consequences. Other European ministers also emphasized that the violence by Israeli Jewish extremists against Palestinian residents must stop immediately.
Promotion
The new sanctions do not only apply to Israeli settlers and organizations. At the same time, the EU is also taking measures against members of Hamas. According to several EU countries, that was necessary to gain broad support for the package.
Daily violence
Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, violence in the West Bank has increased sharply. In multiple areas, confrontations occur almost daily between Israeli troops, settlers, and Palestinians.
The EU had already imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations in the West Bank. However, further expansion of these measures was blocked for a long time within the European Union.
Still divided
There is still major division over other steps against Israel. Several EU countries want to take stricter measures against trade relations or the import of products from Israeli settlements, but no agreement was reached on this.
Spain and Ireland are among the countries pushing for tougher economic measures. Other countries, including Germany and Italy, remain cautious about restricting trade agreements with Israel.
False symmetry
Israel reacted strongly to the EU's decision. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Europe creates a “false symmetry” between Israeli citizens and Hamas. According to Israel, the sanctions show a “moral bankruptcy” of the European Union.