Germany obstructs EU sanctions against Israel
Germany rejected the European Commission's proposal to impose sanctions on Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister Johan Vadivol said in Copenhagen that such measures would not significantly affect Israel's political or military decisions. He added that Germany is already limiting arms deliveries to Israel, considering that this step sends a clearer message rejecting Israel's plans to control Gaza.
The European proposal included depriving Israel of programs such as Horizon Europe and a temporary ban on Israeli institutions from participating in projects funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC). This would particularly affect startups and small companies working in the fields of cybersecurity, drone technology, and artificial intelligence. However, Israeli researchers were still expected to be able to participate in academic projects.
Fadivol confirmed that what is urgently needed is "preparation for an agreement on a ceasefire" from all parties. His position reflects Germany's rejection of symbolic sanctions and its preference for targeted measures such as arms restrictions, which Berlin sees as more effective. For her part, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger took a similar stance, calling for sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank, while emphasizing that Palestinians should not pay the price for Hamas's crimes.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, acknowledged that the chances of passing the sanctions plan are slim. She said, "There is no majority for it," warning that this debate "sends a message that we are divided." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged the EU to turn words into actions, pointing to the need for stricter trade restrictions, such as banning imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements. However, Rasmussen emphasized that his country sees Israel as a friendly state, but has a problem with the current government.
The European Union remains deeply divided on how to respond to Israel's war against Hamas. While Hungary has blocked sanctions against settlers in the West Bank, Germany refuses to suspend the partnership agreement or trade relations with Israel. This debate comes in the wake of Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 250 others. Since then, the Israeli military operation has resulted in the deaths of more than 63,000 people in Gaza, according to Hamas authorities. Inside Israel, families of the captives are calling for an end to the war for fear that military escalation will lead to the deaths of their loved ones, while Hamas continues to refuse to release the detainees unconditionally, prolonging the conflict and humanitarian crisis.