Germany prevents suggested EU sanctions on Israel

(MENAFN) Germany has opposed a new European Commission proposal aimed at sanctioning Israel over its military operations in Gaza, according to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The proposal sought to suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research program, which funds start-ups in areas like drone technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The goal was to pressure Israel to improve the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Speaking during an EU meeting in Copenhagen, Wadephul explained that Berlin did not believe restricting research funds would impact Israel’s military decisions. He pointed out that Germany had already limited the export of weapons that could be used in Gaza, and suggested that the EU focus on similar targeted actions instead.

The EU remains divided on the issue. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas admitted that consensus among member states is lacking and that progress on the proposal is unlikely in the near future, despite the fact that full unanimity is not required.

Some countries, including Denmark, Spain, and Slovenia, have expressed frustration over the EU’s lack of action. Denmark has backed tougher sanctions, including suspending trade with Israel, while Spain and Slovenia criticized the EU's inaction, especially in contrast to its strong response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon remarked that the EU has yet to impose any concrete measures on Israel.

The conflict in Gaza began in 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in more than 61,000 deaths in Gaza. A UN-backed report recently confirmed that northern Gaza is experiencing famine, with over 500,000 people facing extreme food insecurity.

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