EU plans to partially suspend Israel trade deals | DW News

Key Concepts:

• EU-Israel Free Trade Agreement
• Tariffs
• Sanctions
• Violent Extremism
• EU Member State Divisions
• Humanitarian Catastrophe
• Arms Embargo
• EU Funding

EU Considers Action Against Israel Over Gaza War

1. EU's Shift in Stance:

• For the first time, the EU is considering measures impacting business ties with Israel due to the war in Gaza.
• The European Commission has proposed partially suspending the EU's free trade deal with Israel.

2. Proposed Measures:

• Tariffs: Hiking tariffs on approximately 40% of Israeli goods exported to the EU, making them less competitive.
• Sanctions: Targeting two far-right Israeli ministers, settlers linked to violent extremism, and some members of Hamas.

3. Obstacles to Implementation:

• There is no guarantee these proposals will be enacted.
• The EU has been hesitant to suggest sanctions without the backing of all member states, particularly Germany.

4. Pressure for Action:

• Rising pressure from EU governments, including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
• Pressure from centrist and left-wing factions in the European Parliament.
• EU's top diplomat stated that public opinion in member states has shifted due to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
  • Quote: "Uh public opinion in in all the member states um has has really shifted and and when we have the discussions all the member states or representatives uh foreign ministers agree that the situation is untenable. So if we all agree on this then the question is what do we do about this?"

5. Internal Divisions:

• The European Commission seems to prefer to have something on the table, even if it risks appearing weaker due to internal divisions.
• Germany is a key holdout regarding pausing the EU-Israel free trade deal.
• Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Italy are also not in favor.

6. Germany's Position:

• Berlin has not made a final decision but has previously blocked EU restrictions against the Israeli government.
• Germany points to its own national partial arms embargo as a more effective tool.

7. Israeli Response:

• The Israeli government claims any measures against it will strengthen Hamas.
• Israel has vowed to retaliate if the EU proposals are adopted.

8. EU Funding Suspension:

• A plan to pause around 14 million euros worth of EU funding earmarked for cooperation with the Israeli government will move forward, as it doesn't require backing from EU member states.

9. Criticism from Human Rights Campaigners:

• Human rights campaigners argue that the proposed actions are insufficient and too late for Gaza.
• They believe the EU has failed to meaningfully intervene and use its leverage.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The EU is facing increasing pressure to take action against Israel due to the war in Gaza. While the European Commission has proposed measures, including tariffs and sanctions, significant obstacles remain due to internal divisions among member states, particularly Germany. The proposed actions are seen by some as insufficient and too late to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.