The European Commission Presented a Package of Measures Against Israel on Wednesday. Trade Benefits for Exports to the Eu Will Be Suspended, Meaning Brussels Will Impose Import Duties On, Among Other Things, Fruit and Vegetables.
Furthermore, Brussels is Putting Two Extremist Ministers, A Number of Israeli Settlers and A Number of Hamas Leaders on the Sanctions List. Their assets will be frozen and they will not be allowed to travel to the European Union.
These are ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. In Addition, The European Commission Will Stop Financial Contributions to Exchange Projects with a Total Value of 20 Million Euros. The Measures Will Remain in effect Until Israel Allows More Food and Humanitarian Aid Into Gaza and Ensures That a Two-State Solution Remains Possible.
A Qualified Majority of EU Member States Must Agree to the Suspension of the Trade Part of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel. This means that 55 percent of the member States, which Together represent at Least 65 percent of the Total EU population, must agree. Unanimity is Required for the Imposition of Sanctions. So far, The Member States are divided.
The EU is Israel’s Most Important Trading Partner. The Country Exports 32 percent of its trade to the EU. The New Plans Mean That European Companies Will Now Have To Pay Import Dekens When they Buy Israeli Products. This groups Almost 6 Billion Euros Worth of Goods.
The European Commission does not propose an import ban for the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied territories. The Netherlands does notes because this. At the end of July, the outgoing cabinet decided to impose an entry ban on ministers ben-gvir and smotrich.