EU Keeps Israel Sanctions Threat on Table

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sharpened public pressure on Israel during Ireland's EU-presidency opening in Cork on July 3, saying trade-preference suspension under the EU-Israel Association Agreement remains before member states. She also said member states hold the decision on sanctioning National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with no consensus reached, and Czechia is blocking the Ben-Gvir move despite pressure from other capitals. Israel should answer one-sided European pressure by defending Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, lawful security policy and bilateral trade, while rejecting collective punishment of Israeli voters or ministers.