EU’s hesitation on Israeli policy, despite citizen pressure, centers on its trade agreement with Israel. Activists demand full suspension.
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The European Union is hesitant to address the core issue of its comprehensive trade agreement with Israel, despite considering sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. A Citizens’ Initiative for “Justice for Palestine” has gained significant momentum across Europe, surpassing one million signatures quickly and increasing political pressure on EU institutions. This initiative garnered support from various groups, including the European Left Alliance, Green parties, Amnesty International, and Palestinian movements. While some countries show strong public support for the cause, others exhibit less engagement or rely heavily on trade with Israel. Despite previous proposals by the European Commission to partially suspend trade agreement provisions, these efforts have been blocked by Germany and Italy. Activists argue that sanctions alone are insufficient and call for the complete cancellation of the EU-Israel connection agreement to truly isolate Israel, emphasizing that current measures are merely drops in a vast ocean of complacency. Calls from activists range from demanding boycotts and arms embargoes to advocating for the full termination of the trade relationship.
