EU to approve sanctions on Israeli settlers, says Kallas
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The EU is close to approving sanctions against violent Israeli settlers after Hungary's new government indicated it would no longer block the measure, according to top diplomat Kaja Kallas.
- The sanctions had been stalled due to opposition from former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but the new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has signaled support for the broadly backed sanctions.
- While sanctions targeting violent settlers seem likely to gain approval, broader measures against Israel, including trade restrictions on West Bank settlements, currently lack the necessary majority within the EU.
- Several EU foreign ministers expressed frustration over the bloc's slow progress on the issue, with calls for tougher steps such as a full ban on products from illegal settlements and further tariff measures.
- Ministers plan to test the level of support for expanded sanctions during the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.