The review indicates that suspending the trade chapter of the agreement would remove trade preferences for Israeli products entering the EU, potentially passing with a qualified majority vote in the Council. A complete ban on imports from illegal West Bank settlements demands unanimity from member states, but individual nations can adopt this policy on their own.
Alternative options include excluding Israel from EU programs for students and scientists, like Erasmus and Horizon, or restricting technical cooperation and agreements. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas was assigned to develop proposals after a June meeting of European leaders, targeting actions against Israel despite resistance from allies like Hungary and Germany.
Kallas announced an agreement earlier Thursday to facilitate aid to Gaza, praising cooperation with the Israeli government and anticipating deliveries soon. This follows an EEAS review, initially reported by POLITICO, suggesting Israel may breach human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement Article 2.
In response to terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign involved weapons with wide effects in populated areas and strict limits on essential goods and services into Gaza, the assessment notes. EU foreign ministers will discuss the paper at a summit on Tuesday. Kallas reiterated earlier the agreement’s aim to expedite aid to Gaza, acknowledging the Israeli government’s cooperation.
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