EU Commission proposes trade curbs, sanctions on Israeli ministers
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The EU Commission freezes €20M in in bilateral support for "Israel", yet resistance from Germany and Italy may stall action on other proposals.
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Smoke and flames erupt from an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on July 21, 2025 (AP)
The European Union Commission unveiled its toughest measures yet against "Israel" on Wednesday, proposing to curb trade ties and sanction far-right ministers over the ongoing war on Gaza. The move comes amid mounting calls for accountability but faces resistance from key member states.
EU freezes bilateral support and pushes trade restrictions
While the aforementioned remain proposals, the EU’s executive branch announced it would act immediately, freezing 20 million euros ($23.7 million) in bilateral support for "Israel," while exempting funds earmarked for civil society groups and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Under its wider proposals, Brussels seeks to suspend tariff reductions on certain goods under a cooperation deal with "Israel". Officials say this would affect over one-third of Israeli exports to the EU, worth around six billion euros, including agricultural products like dates and nuts.
“The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said. “There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.”
Targeting far-right Israeli ministers
The commission also called for asset freezes and visa bans on Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose extremist rhetoric has been blamed for fueling violence.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris welcomed the proposals, calling them a “critical turning point in holding Israel accountable.”
Despite growing momentum for action, opposition from major states, including Germany and Italy, may block the adoption of the proposed sanctions. Their reluctance has already stalled softer measures, such as cutting EU funding to Israeli tech start-ups.
Von der Leyen’s commission, however, retains the power to act unilaterally in freezing bilateral aid.
'Israel' rejects sanctions pressure
"Israel" has urged Brussels to back down, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warning in a letter to von der Leyen that “pressure through sanctions will not work.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas countered that the aim is not punishment, but “to try to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
War on Gaza draws global condemnation
The push for EU action follows renewed international outrage after "Israel" launched a major ground assault on Gaza City, preceded by heavy bombardment.
Meanwhile, a UN investigation concluded that "Israel" has committed genocide in Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials of incitement.
