EU blocked on sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers because unanimity needed. But after France, other countries are ready

Brussels – Still no sign of the plan announced more than two months ago by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, to impose a European sanctions regime against extremist Israeli settlers. Hostage to the rule of unanimity among the 27 countries, the EU remains blocked in the paradoxical condition of wanting to reinvigorate the two-state solution but simultaneously doing nothing against those who undermine its foundations.

“If we want to maintain our credibility, we have to denounce what is happening in the West Bank,” Borrell warned again upon his arrival at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. But the consensus is not there yet. The two countries still reluctant are Hungary and the Czech Republic, but that is enough to leave the EU motionless in the face of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Beyond the sanctions on settlers who engage in violence against Palestinian communities, a communiqué came out of the foreign ministers’ summit in which 26 member countries “call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the continued provision of humanitarian assistance.” Again, 26, not 27.

However, some member countries are ready to force their hand, although an individual move may not carry the same weight as a position taken by the bloc. Leading by example is France, which already a week ago banned from entering the country 28 Israeli citizens guilty of violence in the West Bank. And today, ministers from Spain and Belgium also threatened the rift. José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister, said, “If an agreement is not reached in the EU, Madrid will be ready to proceed unilaterally.” At the same time, her Belgian counterpart, Hadja Lahbib, announced that Belgium—which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council—had “decided to adopt sanctions against extremist settlers, and several European countries are ready to follow. We will see if we can move forward in twenty-seven on this.”

Even in Dublin, they are ready to go it alone, said Foreign Minister Micheál Martin, expressing “regret” over the lack of unanimous consensus within the EU. Italy showed itself to be a possibilist, but only to a joint decision: vice-premier Antonio Tajani explained that Rome “recognizes itself in the position adopted by the G7 condemning the settlers and the violence perpetrated” and that “if there will be European sanctions, we will not oppose.” After a decision to this effect has already been made by the main Western allies, the US and the UK, the EU appears to be lagging. Especially in light of the data of the UN OCHA-OPTA office: as of October 7, 2023, 558 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians have been recorded, resulting in Palestinian casualties (50 incidents), damage to Palestinian-owned property (447 incidents) or both casualties and property damage (61 incidents).

Tajani also pointed out that at the same time, the EU is working on new sanctions on Hamas, and there would already be unanimity here. European diplomacy chief Borrell cut short the press conference, “We have decided to continue to work on how to proceed against violent extremists and Hamas’ rights violations and sexual violence,” he concluded.