BRUSSELS, Belgium: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged the EU to consider imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers for their inflammatory statements against Palestinians, which he says breach international law.
Although Borrell did not explicitly name the ministers in his recent remarks, he has openly criticized Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for what he termed “sinister” rhetoric and “incitement to war crimes.”
The EU’s foreign ministers began discussing the proposal in a meeting in Brussels, but unanimity among all 27 member states is required for sanctions to be implemented. These sanctions would typically involve restrictions like travel bans and asset freezes.
While there was no immediate consensus, countries like Ireland expressed support for Borrell’s suggestion, advocating for sanctions on both the ministers and the settler organizations involved in West Bank expansion. Conversely, some member states, such as Italy, opposed the idea, advocating for diplomatic engagement instead to address tensions in the region.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, dismissed Borrell’s allegations, asserting that he does not support displacing Palestinian populations. Borrell’s proposal highlights the EU’s mounting frustration with statements and actions by certain Israeli ministers, though it remains uncertain if the EU can achieve the necessary agreement to move forward with sanctions.
