Israel calls EU Commission's plans for sanctions 'disproportionate'

Israel has rejected the EU Commission's plans for sanctions against the country.

In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that suspending certain trade advantages because of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip was "disproportionate" and "unprecedented".

The EU Commission plans to present concrete proposals for sanctions on Wednesday. However, the EU is deeply divided on how to deal with Israel and it is questionable whether there will be a majority in favour.

A spokeswoman said that one of the measures under consideration was the possible suspension of certain trade agreements that are part of an association agreement between the EU and Israel.

Saar said that such a proposal had never been implemented in the case of other countries. He charged that the EU Commission is relying on information from Hamas and is thus playing into the hands of a terrorist organization.

Saar argued that Israel was forced into the Gaza war after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He said that Israel would not be "intimidated by threats" as long as the country's security was at risk.