EU fails to agree on sanctions for far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir

European Union member states have failed to agree on proposals to sanction Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday. Speaking at a media conference, Kallas noted that while “many” EU states had proposed economic restrictions, “no consensus on that was reached today.” The decision requires unanimity among the 27 member states, which was not achieved.

Ben-Gvir has faced criticism from several individual EU countries over his treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained by Israeli soldiers last month while trying to reach Gaza. However, efforts to impose EU-wide sanctions have met resistance. Kallas did not specify which states opposed, but Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic are understood to be among those against the move.

Kallas added that “many” member states also called on the European Commission to prepare options for limiting trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. “I will convey this request and ask the Commission to prepare, ahead of the next Foreign Affairs Council, a list of options for possible trade measures, including measures aimed at preventing imports of goods originating from illegal settlements,” she said.

Last month, the EU for the first time imposed economic restrictions on violent settlers responsible for human rights abuses in the West Bank. Following the raid on the flotilla, a widely shared video showed Ben-Gvir mocking activists kneeling with their hands tied. The international outcry led several countries, including long-time Israeli ally Italy, to push for restrictions. Italy has opened an investigation into allegations of kidnapping and torture involving Italian citizens, and French prosecutors have launched a war crimes and torture probe. These developments come amid growing EU pressure on Israel.