The German government has responded cautiously to a proposal by the European Commission to impose sanctions against Israel.
Speaking in Berlin on Wednesday, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille acknowledged the European Commission’s move, stating, “We have, of course, taken note of what happened today”. However, he emphasized that there has been no majority support for the proposed measures within the European Council to date.
Hille reiterated the government’s concern following the reported Israeli attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar, describing the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as “unacceptable”. He underscored the importance of preventing the escalation of the conflict across the wider region, warning that such actions “pose a risk to any further mediation efforts.
Earlier on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to suspend payments to Israel and proposed that the Council consider sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers, along with a partial suspension of the association agreement regarding trade. These proposals have so far encountered resistance from several EU member states, including Germany.