On September 17 local time, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas announced a series of measures to sanction Israel, including the partial suspension of trade-related matters in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Kallas stated that the EU will not suspend trade with Israel.
The decision was passed at the EU Commission meeting on the same day and still requires approval from EU member states, after which it will take effect within 30 days. The measures planned by the European Commission include imposing tariffs on Israeli imports worth approximately 5.8 billion euros, as well as imposing sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers—National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich. Meanwhile, the EU hopes to suspend direct support of about 20 million euros for various Israeli projects.
The day before, on September 16, Kallas stated that Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza would further exacerbate the already severe situation. The European Commission will propose measures on the 17th to pressure the Israeli government to change its stance on the Gaza war.