EU examines sanctions against Israeli settlements

The European Union is actively exploring sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, driven by concerns over their continued expansion and potential undermining of the two-state solution.

At a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, discussions focused on imposing import restrictions or outright bans on products originating from Israeli settlements. This move is intended to exert trade-policy pressure on Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously condemned the expansion of settlements as "completely unacceptable."

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completely unacceptable

The EU, the United Nations, and a majority of nations consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law, a stance Israel rejects. France, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, and Belgium have previously called for more robust measures to address the issue.

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It is unsatisfactory to discuss options for months without addressing the concrete legal design.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed general openness to further measures but stressed the need for concrete legal texts before Austria could seriously consider them. In contrast, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated Germany's view that settlement policy conflicts with international law but shifted the focus from sanctions to continuing bilateral discussions with Israel. He also noted that any restrictions would require unanimous approval from the EU Council.

Disagreements persist within the EU regarding the legal basis for such sanctions. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas pointed to the Council's legal service, suggesting a qualified majority might suffice if the measures are classified as trade policy rather than foreign policy sanctions. This internal division has so far prevented a unified EU approach.

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We have a clear position on settlement policy. It is not in line with international law.