EU Diplomats Call for Tariffs and Sanctions on Israel
On Wednesday, senior diplomats from the European Union urged member states to come together and impose tariffs estimated at $166 million on Israeli goods. They also discussed sanctions targeting supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Kaja Karas, the EU’s chief diplomat responsible for foreign affairs and security policy, emphasized the need for action against the Israeli government in light of human rights concerns in Gaza. The measures are aimed specifically at high-ranking officials and proponents of the military response.
“I want to clarify that the goal isn’t to punish Israel. Rather, it’s to improve the humanitarian conditions in Gaza,” Karas stated during a press briefing in Brussels.
According to her, the sanctions are intended to pressure the Israeli government to reconsider its approach. She highlighted that the actions being proposed won’t harm ordinary citizens but are focused on forcing a change in policy.
Karas pointed out that the new sanctions would specifically target figures such as Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The EU’s initiative also includes measures against 10 leaders of Hamas. These sanctions would restrict travel within the EU and freeze assets tied to the targeted officials.
Should enough EU members agree, the proposed tariffs would account for about 37% of Israel’s total exports to the EU. However, it appears that Israeli arms exports to the bloc would not be impacted.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the proposal, warning European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that economic threats would not intimidate Israel. “Sanctions will not be effective,” Sa’ar wrote. “Israel is a proud nation, and we will not yield if our security is at stake.”
Interestingly, Von der Leyen, previously a strong supporter of Israel, shifted her stance last week, advocating for increased EU pressure concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the latest military actions.
As of now, it is unclear whether the EU will reach a consensus on this matter, especially with divisions among the 27 member states regarding their approach to the ongoing conflict, which has entered its third year.
