EU Proposes Trade Tariffs and Sanctions on Israel Over Gaza Conflict

The European Commission has proposed imposing tariffs on Israeli imports and sanctioning officials in response to human rights concerns in Gaza. The measures, announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, include suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, potentially affecting approximately €5.8 billion in Israeli exports. This suspension would impose standard duties, potentially generating €227 million annually.

Additionally, the EU plans to sanction two Israeli cabinet ministers—National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—as well as violent Israeli settlers and ten senior Hamas members. These sanctions would involve asset freezes and EU travel bans.

Kallas emphasized that the aim is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating, "The aim is not to punish Israel. The aim is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza."

The proposals require approval from EU member states, where consensus is uncertain due to divisions among countries. Germany, Austria, Italy, and Hungary have previously opposed such measures, while nations like Spain and Ireland advocate for stronger action.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the EU's move, asserting that it empowers terrorist organizations. He stated, "It is profoundly disturbing that you, by advancing such a proposal, are in practice empowering a terrorist organization responsible for and continuing to perpetrate heinous crimes."

The EU remains Israel's largest trading partner, with total goods trade exceeding €42 billion in the previous year.