The EU Commission proposes to hold back on trade with Israel over the gas war

The European Commission has presented plans to restrict trade with Israel and imposing sanctions on ministers of the extremist government, which if accepted – would be the most severe EU response to war.

Last week, the plans stopped by the President of the Ursul von der Leyen commission would suspend the provisions related to the trade agreement of the EU-Israel Association.

This would deprive Israeli goods privileged access to European markets, with tariffs imposed billions of euros – in particular, agricultural products such as dates and citrus.

But despite the strong language, these measures are unlikely to take and were rejected by Israel as “morally and politically distorted”.

Trade restrictions require the approval of the qualified majority of the member states, while sanctions on persons require unanimity.

Out -of -objections of key members, including Germany and Italy, and Ireland and Spain, which call for more stringent actions, adoption looks unlikely.

EU foreign policy head Kaj Kalas admitted a challenge to the European Council, telling journalists: “Political lines are in the place where they were still.”

She said the package was also aimed at “terrorists Hamas”, unnamed “extremist ministers” in the Israeli government and “violent settlers and legal entities that support the impunity on the west shore.”

The EU is the number one trading partner of Israel, which is 32% of the goods in 2024 worth 42.6 billion euros (£ 35.8 billion). However, the economic impact on stopping the tariff preference will be limited. Trade commissioner Marash Shefchovich estimated the effect of only 227 million a year.

The only measure that takes immediate activity is the suspension of the bilateral support of the Israeli government. But it is also largely symbolically from only 9.4 million euros out of 14 million euros, allocated for 2020-24 – and does not require the approval of the member states.

Mediterranean commissioner Dubrova Shuik emphasized that financing programs engaged in anti -Semitism and support for civil society will not affect.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the commission’s proposals as “morally and politically distorted”, warning of X that actions against Israel will damage Europe’s own interests and promise that any steps made against his country will be responsible. “

It is not immediately clear when the measures will vote by members.