On Thursday, EU Foreign ministers discussed possible sanctions against Israel’s National security minister Ben Gvir during an informal meeting in Cyprus, but reached no agreement. Still, the Council moved ahead the same day with new restrictive measures targeting extremist Israeli settlers and organisations accused of serious human rights abuses in the West Bank.
At the informal Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich), ministers addressed a range of geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and the future European Security Strategy. Against this backdrop, Italy and France reiterated support for EU restrictive measures against Ben Gvir following controversy surrounding the treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, as shown in videos released by Israeli authorities.
No decision was taken on sanctions against the Israeli minister, and discussions are expected to continue at the next Foreign Affairs Council in June. According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, pressure is increasing among some member states to revisit sanctions discussions concerning Israeli ministers. “There is also a lot of pressure from member states that have so far opposed sanctions against ministers,” Kallas said.
At the same time, the Council — formally represented by Competitiveness ministers over in Brussels — adopted additional restrictive measures against four entities and three individuals linked to extremist Israeli settler activity in the West Bank. According to a Council statement, those listed are considered responsible for “serious and systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank.”
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The measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on making funds or economic resources available to listed individuals and entities. The Council also expanded the scope of EU restrictive measures concerning Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to include ten members of Hamas’s Political Bureau.
Italy and France back proposal targeting Ben Gvir
Kallas noted that proposals concerning sanctions on Israeli ministers have been under discussion for several months, while additional options are also being considered.
Italy, which co-sponsored the proposal with France, reiterated its support for EU restrictive measures such as sanctions targeting Ben Gvir. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Rome would seek to build support among member states for sanctions against the minister.
Tajani also underlined the importance of a coordinated European position, arguing that actions affecting European citizens require a common European response. “This minister has taken actions against European citizens that are unacceptable,” he said and criticised what he described as unacceptable treatment of individuals detained after being intercepted aboard vessels not flying the Israeli flag.
Although the issue appeared on the agenda of the informal ministerial meeting, no formal discussion or decision took place. Italy instead raised the matter in bilateral meetings with counterparts, according to diplomatic remarks.
Soon, EU ministers are expected to continue discussions on possible coordinated sanctions concerning and its authorities. Any decision on EU sanctions would require unanimity among member states.
