The European Union is expected to reach a political agreement on sanctions targeting so-called violent Israeli settlers, after Hungary indicated it would no longer block the measure, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The decision is set to be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.
Long-stalled sanctions back on the table
The proposed EU sanctions package has been delayed for months due to opposition from former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who previously blocked consensus among member states.
However, diplomatic sources suggest a shift in Hungary’s position following the appointment of new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who has indicated he will not obstruct broadly supported EU measures.
Focus on West Bank violence
The proposed EU measures target individuals accused of involvement in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Several EU foreign ministers expressed support for action, citing rising concerns over developments in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said she supported sanctions against violent settlers, describing the situation in the region as increasingly worrying.
Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel also criticised the EU’s slow decision-making process, pointing to repeated divisions among member states.
Despite progress on targeted sanctions, broader EU measures against Israel remain unlikely for now, due to a lack of consensus among member states.
EU officials acknowledged that proposals involving trade restrictions on settlement products do not currently have sufficient backing.
Pressure for further action
Some member states, including the Netherlands, are pushing for stronger economic measures, including restrictions on goods originating from illegal settlements.
Foreign ministers are expected to continue discussions on additional sanctions and trade-related measures in upcoming meetings.
The EU sanctions debate highlights ongoing divisions within the bloc over how to respond to the conflict and related developments in the occupied territories.
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