Key facts
- EU foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus on imposing sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Germany, Czechia, and Austria opposed the proposed sanctions.
- France had previously banned Ben-Gvir from its territory.
- Discussions on possible trade restrictions with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank will continue.
- Sanctions require unanimous backing from all EU member states.
European Union foreign ministers have failed to reach a unanimous agreement on imposing sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The bloc's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, confirmed the lack of consensus following a meeting in Luxembourg, noting that several member states opposed the move. Calls for sanctions intensified after Ben-Gvir posted a video that appeared to mock pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli forces. France had previously banned Ben-Gvir from its territory and urged other EU partners to follow suit. Separately, Kallas announced that the European Commission will be asked to develop options for potential trade restrictions with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move also supported by several member states. EU sanctions require the unanimous backing of all 27 member states, and opposition from a core group of Israeli allies prevented the sanctions against Ben-Gvir from moving forward. Israel has maintained a military presence in the West Bank since 1967, with settlement expansion accelerating under the current coalition government.