Germany rejects EU sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in Brussels that proposed EU bans on trade with illegal Israeli settlements would only "complicate relations with Israel" and would not achieve the intended results. He reiterated that the settlements "are contrary to international law" and argued that the issue should be addressed through direct talks with the Israeli government rather than trade sanctions. Wadephul noted that any EU measure would require unanimous support from all 27 member states, making it unlikely to pass.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevo criticized the European Commission for offering only a "piece of bread for hunger" in its draft proposals, calling them insufficient. He joined other ministers from the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland in urging stronger action, with Spain already imposing a bilateral ban on such imports. The differing positions have left Berlin increasingly isolated within the EU over its opposition to measures against the settlements.

The debate reflects broader tensions within the bloc over how to respond to Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank while maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel.