Only 11 of 27 EU member states supported imposing trade restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, falling short of the required majority, according to a political analysis. Opposing states, including Germany, Italy, and Austria, demand a unanimous vote, blocking the measure. The analysis also accuses EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas of joining the 'axis of evil' for backing the initiative.
A political analysis circulating in Israeli media today (Tuesday) claims that the European Union's push to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria has failed to secure sufficient backing, with only 11 of 27 member states supporting the measure. The analysis identifies Germany, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia as opposing states, and criticizes EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for supporting the initiative, accusing her of joining the 'axis of evil.' This interpretive report follows Monday's tense meeting of EU foreign ministers, where the same 11-state figure was reported.
The Zioneer reported Monday that the EU foreign ministers' discussion on settlement trade restrictions fell short of the required majority, according to a Politico report cited by N12 journalist Asaf Rozentzweig (published 18:47 Jerusalem). Earlier that day, Kallas had stated that a ban on trade with settlements received the 'widest support' among ministers and that the European Commission's legal service determined the measure could proceed without unanimous consent (also published 18:47 Jerusalem). The thread also includes earlier reports of EU consideration of measures, including a statement by Kallas on July 13 proposing import bans, export licensing, and tariffs.
The analysis comes amid ongoing EU-Israel tensions over settlement policy. The Zioneer has previously reported on EU accusations of settlement expansion through 'abhorrent violence' (July 4) and on Kallas' reaffirmation of EU opposition to settlements in a letter to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (June 18). The analysis accuses Kallas of joining the 'axis of evil' for backing the initiative, a characterization that is not an official EU position.
The analysis is a media interpretation, not an official EU statement. The actual vote or decision on the trade restrictions remains pending, as member states continue to debate the issue. The legal basis for proceeding without unanimity is contested, and the measure's fate remains uncertain.
5 developments
- DevelopingEU considers significant escalation in sanctions on settlement goods
- StrongIreland's parliament passed bill banning imports from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria
- DevelopingAmbiguity Over Voting Threshold for EU Ban on Settlement Imports; No Decision Today
- DevelopingUK advises businesses to avoid activity in settlements; six nations impose sanctions on settler violence enablers
Source and signal
- Internal intake