EU intends to suspend payments to Israel

2025-09-11 08:40:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU intends to suspend payments to Israel and also proposed sanctions against "extremist" Israeli ministers.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed during her annual "State of the European Union" address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg the suspension of financial support for Israel and the sanctioning of "extremist" Israeli ministers and violent settlers.

"What is happening in Gaza has shocked the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies in their arms. These images are truly catastrophic," von der Leyen said, adding, "We will suspend our support for Israel."

As for sanctions against members of the Israeli government, this includes, among others, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrih and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who are themselves settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and strong advocates for the continuation and expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the region.

However, the President of the European Commission said that not all European Union member states will be on the same page with her proposals.

Reactions from members of the European Parliament

During von der Leyen's annual speech to the European Parliament, support for Gaza was clear across many political parties. A large number of members wore red jackets or T-shirts to symbolize a "demarcation line for Gaza."

Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg told DW that they are relieved that President von der Leyen is now taking a firmer stance on Israel. "Finally, something is moving," said Sandro Gozi, a liberal MEP and former Italian minister for European Affairs.

Co-chair of the European Green Party, Dutch MEP Bas Eickhout, said that President von der Leyen's proposals are "modest proposals", "but given the country she comes from, this is certainly a big step".

Suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which underpins trade relations, would require the agreement of all 27 EU countries. But that is unlikely to happen because of Hungary, and possibly Germany, which could veto it.

The German position on the proposals

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the German government "has been informed" of the EU's proposals and will engage in "dialogue" with other member states.

"The Commission President made it clear that she will engage in dialogue with member states on the details of her proposals," he said. "We are looking forward to that. We will certainly participate in this dialogue and we are already engaged in an ongoing dialogue on appropriate measures within the EU framework."/ DW