EU proposes curbing ‘Israel’ trade ties

The EU on Wednesday proposed curbing trade ties with ‘Israel’ and sanctioning ministers in its strongest action over the war in Gaza, but the measures will struggle to be adopted due to reluctance from key member states.

"I want to be very clear, the aim is not to punish Israel. The aim is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

"The war needs to end. The suffering must stop, and all hostages must be released."

The European Commission will act immediately to freeze about 20 million euros ($23.7 million) in bilateral support to ‘Israel’.

The commission’s move comes amid growing pressure on the 27-nation bloc to take action against ‘Israel’ for the war on Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly two years.

Trade and Sanctions

Based on its new proposals, Brussels is pushing to suspend parts of a cooperation agreement with ‘Israel’ that would lower tariffs on its goods.

Officials say the step would affect more than a third of ‘Israel’s’ exports to the EU, valued at about 6 billion euros, including key agricultural products like dates and nuts.

The commission also called for freezing the assets of two far-right ‘Israeli’ ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing them of fueling violence through their extremist rhetoric.

However, opposition from key bloc members, particularly Germany and Italy, means it will be difficult to secure enough support to pass the measures.

This reluctance previously stalled a milder proposal to halt funding for ‘Israeli’ tech startups. The commission, however, can freeze bilateral support on its own.