EU Deadlocked Over Sanctions on Israel as Violence Rises in the West Bank
The European Union is again debating whether to halt trade ties with Israel as settler violence against Palestinians grows in the West Bank. Member states cannot agree, and the EU is criticised for failing to act.
The European Union is once more debating whether to cut trade ties with Israel. The reason is a surge of violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, occurring as Israel approaches elections of decisive importance. EU member states hold sharply different views on sanctions, which has left the bloc in a deadlock.
What UN data says
According to United Nations data, radical Israelis are violating international law in the West Bank. The violations cited include occupation, forced displacement and war crimes. Violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has intensified.
Attacks on journalists and EU representatives
Settlers have attacked not only Palestinians but also journalists and an EU delegation. These incidents have brought renewed attention to the EU's stance toward Israel and the possible end of trade relations.
Criticism of the EU
Because member states lack consensus, the EU is being criticised for its inability to act. The deadlock means no joint decision on sanctions has been reached for now.
About the programme
The topic is covered by a weekly programme produced by ARTE, the European public broadcaster. It is published in ten languages in cooperation with El País (Spain), Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland), Internazionale (Italy), Kathimerini (Greece), Le Soir (Belgium), Telex (Hungary), Ir (Latvia), Balkan Insight (Balkans) and Sinopsis (Romania). The project is funded by the European Union through European Media Platforms funds.
