Will EU sanction Israel over annexation plans?
European Union foreign ministers might consider threatening Israel with sanctions, in an effort to thwart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank.
The European Commission considers imposing sanctions on Israel if Jerusalem decides to advance its annexation plan this summer. Foreign ministers of the European Union are expected to discuss the issue at their next monthly meeting on May 15, one day after the swearing-in of Israel’s new government. According to the unity agreement between the Likud and Blue and White parties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could present a plan for annexing parts of the West Bank as early as July 1.
The issue has not been declared yet on the foreign ministers’ agenda, but this has often been the case with discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to reports, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is pushing for sanctions, alongside France, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg, but there are other member states opposing such a move.
