EU chief weighs sanctions against Smotrich, Ben-Gvir in next meeting
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Josep Borrell highlights the Israeli far-right ministers' incriminating remarks, behavior, and statements and is expected to suggest imposing sanctions against them.
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European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell talks with journalists as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP)
The European Union might sanction two Israeli far-right extremist ministers in an attempt to restore its credibility in the Middle East, The Guardian reported.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell will pan out potential sanctions to be imposed on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the genocidal statements and behavior they have been exhibiting throughout the 10-month Israeli onslaught in Gaza and aggression in the West Bank.
Two weeks ago, Ben-Gvir was internationally blasted after he raided the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, alongside at least 2,200 settlers, under the protection of occupation police forces, on the anniversary of the "destruction of the temple."
He has also made his genocidal intents very clear by repeatedly calling for the blockage of aid and fuel from the Gaza Strip amid the worsening Israeli-made humanitarian crisis.
Smotrich also blatantly said it would be "justified and moral" to starve the entirety of Gaza's population. Moreover, during a debate in cabinet regarding the release of the bodies of Palestinian martyrs who died in Israeli prisons, he said, "We should place the bodies on a cart and drag them through the city center as was done in biblical times, so that people can see and be deterred."
Read more: US slams Smotrich, Ben-Gvir's remarks as 'inflammatory, irresponsible'
Responding to their comments, Borrell took to X to condemn both ministers, saying: "While the World pushes for a ceasefire in #Gaza, Min. Ben Gvir calls for cutting fuel & aid to civilians. Like Min. Smotrich sinister statements, this is an incitement to war crimes. Sanctions must be on our EU agenda."
Thereby, in a meeting of EU ministers on Thursday, Borrell is expected to propose the enforcement of sanctions against both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. The proposal, however, will not be formally presented due to anticipated vetoes from Hungary and the Czech Republic, key allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Nevertheless, EU officials believe the proposal is important both for its own merit and for improving the coalition's damaged global reputation in light of their divided position on the genocide in Gaza.
“The aim is to really call it out [Israeli ministers’ behavior] and to show the EU tries to keep its credibility and that we don’t have double standards,” one source said.
