EU Sanctions Israel: Gaza War Trade Deal Threat
- * EU proposals for Israel: The European Commission has proposed measures against Israel,including suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association agreement (trade-related aspects).
Here’s a summary of the key points from the provided text:
* EU proposals for Israel: The European Commission has proposed measures against Israel,including suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association agreement (trade-related aspects). They are also considering penalties against specific Israeli ministers.
* Approval Hurdles: These proposals face significant hurdles to approval. The trade suspension requires a “qualified majority” – 15 out of 27 EU members representing 65% of the EU population – which is considered unlikely to be achieved, largely due to Germany’s reluctance. Penalties against ministers require unanimous support, making them even less likely to pass.
* Germany’s Position: Germany has not yet finalized its stance and wants to maintain communication with Israel.
* Political Shift: Despite the approval challenges, the proposals represent a political shift in the EU’s relationship with Israel.
* Continued Support (with exceptions): The Commission is pausing bilateral support for Israel, but will continue working with Israeli civil society and Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial).
* Irish Perspective: Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, simon Harris, views the proposal as “hugely significant” and believes a genocide is taking place in Gaza, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry.
* Limited Expectation of Change: Despite growing public concern over the situation in Gaza, one diplomat believes the political landscape within the EU hasn’t fundamentally changed.