EU sanctions package against the Israeli regime announced

On Wednesday, September 17, the European Commission announced a strong package of targeted sanctions against certain Israeli cabinet ministers, settlers, and institutions that promote impunity in the West Bank, along with a proposal to partially suspend trade privileges with the regime.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that all member states agree that the situation in Gaza is unbearable. She also described developments in the West Bank as dangerous and warned of the consequences.

After the Commission meeting, Kallas also criticized the Israeli military assault on Gaza City, describing it as a new escalation that will deepen the humanitarian crisis.

The measures proposed by the European Commission must still be approved by member states.

The EU foreign policy chief stated: “I want to be very clear: the goal is not to punish Israel. The goal is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

She added: “All member states agree that the situation in Gaza is intolerable. The war must end; the suffering must stop. We must use all the tools at our disposal to achieve this outcome. And we must not ignore the dangerous developments in the West Bank.”

A few days earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced that a package of measures against Israel would be proposed, including halting bilateral support, partially suspending the cooperation agreement, and sanctioning Israeli ministers.

This decision comes as the EU faces mounting pressure from national parliaments and public opinion. A wave of protests across Europe has demanded real sanctions against the Israeli regime and an end to arms exports to it.