The European Union has put forward a bold and potentially historic package of sanctions and tariffs against Israel, but the proposal’s future is shadowed by the deep divisions among its 27 member states. The plan, designed to pressure Israel over the Gaza war, may falter before it can be implemented due to a lack of internal consensus.
For 23 months, the EU has struggled to maintain a unified front on the conflict. While some nations have been highly critical of Israel’s military actions, others have maintained strong support, creating a political deadlock. This new proposal, targeting Israeli ministers and key trade preferences, brings these long-simmering disagreements to a head.
The plan, championed by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, represents the strongest stance the EU leadership has ever taken. It calls for asset freezes, travel bans, and the imposition of tariffs on a substantial portion of Israeli imports, citing violations of human rights clauses in their trade agreement.
However, moving from proposal to policy requires the endorsement of the member states, and it is far from clear whether a majority will agree. Nations with historically close ties to Israel may oppose the measures, arguing they are counterproductive and unfairly single out Israel. Others, responding to public protests and a worsening humanitarian situation, may push for even stronger action.
This internal struggle highlights the core challenge of EU foreign policy: the need for unity to exert meaningful influence on the world stage. The debate over sanctioning Israel will be a crucial test of the bloc’s ability to overcome its divisions and act decisively in a major international crisis.