Germany Opposes EU Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Germany has blocked the European Commission’s latest proposal to sanction Israel over its actions in Gaza, arguing that the measures would not impact Israel’s military operations. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the plan to suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research program and cut funding for Israeli tech companies is not effective. Instead,Germany has already restricted weapons deliveries to Gaza, suggesting the EU should focus on similar steps.
The proposal, which was announced by the European Commission last week, aimed to pressure Israel to improve humanitarian aid delivery in the Gaza Strip. The measures included suspending Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe, a major EU research program, and cutting off funding for Israeli companies specializing in drone technology, cybersecurity, and AI. The European Commission argued these economic sanctions would encourage Israel to change its conduct in the conflict.
Wadephul, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday, said the German government was not convinced that these measures would influence Israel’s military operations. He stated, “I believe this is a very targeted measure, one that is very important and very necessary,” according to the official report.
Despite Germany’s opposition, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that the bloc remains divided on the issue. She noted that she is “not very optimistic” that ministers will reach an agreement soon, even though the proposal does not require full unanimity. Kallas added that some member states are pushing for stronger economic pressure on Israel, citing concerns over human rights violations in the conflict.
Meanwhile, several Western nations have expressed growing concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Denmark, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, recently signaled support for tougher sanctions, including suspending trade with Israel. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon have also criticized the EU’s inaction, with Fajon specifically noting that the bloc has not imposed “a single measure” against Israel, contrasting it with the bloc’s unity in sanctioning Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
The Gaza conflict began in 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 61,000 people in the Gaza Strip. A UN-backed panel earlier this month declared that there is a famine in northern Gaza, with over half a million people on the brink of starvation. This has intensified international calls for accountability and relief efforts, while also highlighting the complexity of the geopolitical tensions in the region.