EU ministers to debate curbing trade with West Bank settlements

European Union foreign ministers are set to debate new measures aimed at curbing trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The discussion, scheduled for Monday, will be informed by a confidential European Commission paper proposing three distinct options: an import licensing system, prohibitive tariffs, or a complete ban on trade.

Deep divisions among the EU's 27 member states have historically complicated major decisions on Middle East policy, particularly concerning Israel. However, recent months have seen growing pressure from member governments to take action, fueled by an increase in violence by Israeli settlers and mounting frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which has continued to expand settlements.

This potential move follows the EU's imposition of sanctions in May against four entities and three individuals for alleged serious human rights abuses in the West Bank. The International Court of Justice also issued an advisory opinion in July 2024 stating that Israeli settlements are illegal and that states should prevent trade or investment that supports them.

Israeli officials have previously criticized such international scrutiny. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described a push by some European governments to implement the ICJ's advisory opinion as "shameful." Israel maintains that the territory is disputed and asserts a historical Jewish presence there.

Diplomats anticipate that a formal decision on any specific measure is unlikely to be reached on Monday. The debate is expected to clarify the positions of member states, with discussions also touching upon the procedural requirements for implementing any potential ban, which could range from a qualified majority to unanimous support.

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I think what you will see on Monday is a discussion on the options, and we will get a bit of a picture of where everybody is.