The European Union is moving closer to imposing new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the EU Ambassador to Israel, Michael Mann, confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Berl Katznelson Foundation, titled “A Year of Decision and Correction,” Mann strongly indicated an upcoming political shift regarding sanctions on extremist settlers.
Mann addressed the recent political changes in Hungary, which he suggested could lead to new actions against Israel. Hungary had previously blocked sanctions against Israel, but following Viktor Orbán’s election defeat, its policy is expected to change.
“For a long time, we had plans in Brussels to impose additional sanctions on extreme settlers in the West Bank. This was blocked by one country’s vote.”
“I’m not sure I can confidently say that this will change now, but it definitely seems like this is the direction,” Mann said during the conference.
Settlements are ‘red line’ for the EU
The ambassador also discussed other potential sanctions, including a French-Swedish initiative to ban imports from the settlements.
“There are, of course, other initiatives on the table aimed at persuading Israel to change its policies. We have received some requests from Israel, and discussions are taking place in Brussels about whether it is possible to lift the blockade on these steps. There may be progress,” Mann added.
He emphasized that for the EU, the settlement issue is a “red line,” and the union will do “everything in its power” to stop settlement expansion, which may include additional sanctions.
A senior European official who is familiar with the details told N12 about the sanctions issue, “It seems increasingly likely that sanctions will soon be imposed on the settlements, especially now that the Hungarian veto has been lifted and there is a shift in sentiment across the continent. Europe is growing weary of the situation in the West Bank and wants to convey a clear message to Israel.”
The official also warned N12 of an increasing rift between Israel and its European allies.
The European Union Foreign Ministers’ Council is scheduled to meet on May 11, where actions against Israeli settlements could potentially be approved.
In Israel, more severe measures, such as completely canceling the association agreement that governs relations between the EU and Israel, have been successfully blocked.
