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The European Union appears poised to take a firmer stance against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with EU Ambassador to Israel Michael Mann confirming that sanctions could be on the horizon. This potential move, discussed at the Berl Katznelson Foundation conference, signals a significant shift in EU policy, particularly as the bloc's Foreign Ministers' Council prepares to meet on May 11.

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For a long time, we had plans in Brussels to impose additional sanctions on extreme settlers in the West Bank. This was blocked by one country’s vote.

Mann indicated that recent political developments, specifically the change in Hungary's government, might remove a previous obstacle to imposing sanctions. Hungary had previously blocked such measures, but its new leadership is expected to alter this position, potentially paving the way for EU-wide action. This development is seen as a response to growing weariness within Europe regarding the situation in the West Bank and a desire to send a clear message to Israel.

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I’m not sure I can confidently say that this will change now, but it definitely seems like this is the direction.

For the EU, settlement expansion remains a critical issue, described by Ambassador Mann as a "red line." The bloc is exploring multiple avenues to curb this expansion, including a potential French-Swedish initiative to ban imports from settlements. While Israel has sought to lift such measures, the EU is actively considering its options. The potential for sanctions, coupled with other initiatives, underscores a growing rift between Israel and some of its European allies, as reported by N12. The upcoming Council meeting will be crucial in determining the extent and nature of these actions.

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There are, of course, other initiatives on the table aimed at persuading Israel to change its policies. We have received some requests from Israel, and discussions are taking place in Brussels about whether it is possible to lift the blockade on these steps. There may be progress.