European Parliament’s CDU Representative Calls for Sanctions Against Israeli Ministers
In a departure from the German government’s stance, a prominent European Parliament member has demanded that the European Union impose sanctions on two Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, for their perceived extreme views and actions.
Michael Gahler, the CDU’s foreign policy spokesperson and a member of the European People’s Party in the Security and Defense Committee, made the call in an interview with the German news magazine, Der Spiegel. Gahler, a long-time advocate of a two-state solution, criticized the two ministers for their support of the radical settler movement in the West Bank and their opposition to a two-state solution.
Gahler’s proposal for sanctions includes a travel ban or the freezing of the ministers’ assets. He emphasized that he is not in favor of boycotting Israel, but believes that the EU should consistently implement its existing measures against products from occupied West Bank settlements.
Gahler views the Israeli settlement policy as a violation of international law, arguing that products from the occupied territories cannot be labeled as “Made in Israel” and should not benefit from the preferential market access granted under existing agreements.
The CDU representative emphasized the need for maintaining good relations with Israel, but also believes that the EU should take targeted action against those who are hindering a two-state solution.