Growing European Pressure to Impose Sanctions on Netanyahu’s Government

 European divisions are slowing efforts to impose sanctions on the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite mounting pressure from several EU member states.

Any move by the European Union to impose direct sanctions on Israel requires the approval of at least 15 out of its 27 members — a consensus that has not yet been reached.

Belgium has taken the lead in adopting unilateral measures, announcing a halt to arms exports to Israel and pledging to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Other countries backing punitive measures include the Netherlands, Germany — which recently suspended arms exports — France, which has expressed readiness to support sanctions, as well as Spain and Ireland, both of which have been among the strongest advocates for accountability. Slovenia has also signaled similar intentions.

By contrast, Hungary and Slovakia remain opposed or hesitant, largely due to their close political ties with Netanyahu’s government.

While momentum is building, internal splits within the EU continue to pose the main obstacle to forging a unified stance against Israel.