Dramatic Shift in Europe: Towards Imposing Tariffs on Settlement Products and Sanctions Against Ben Gvir and Smotrich

The Israeli occupation faces a critical diplomatic dilemma as European Union foreign ministers prepare to meet in Brussels to discuss strict measures. France and Sweden are leading a movement to impose comprehensive customs duties on all products from Israeli settlements, including the West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem, which could raise prices by 20% to 30%. The move follows a shift in the European political landscape after the loss of strategic ally Viktor Orbán, allowing opponents of Israeli policies to pass previously stalled sanctions. European anger stems from rising settler violence, unprecedented settlement expansion, and Israeli trends that European diplomats view as a dangerous departure from core partnership values. The economic sanctions will affect vital sectors like date exports, Golan wine, and Dead Sea personal care products, which the EU views as a legal correction rather than direct punishment. Politically, European ministers are considering personal sanctions on extremist ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, a step that requires full consensus. Israel has lost the support of Italy due to attacks by Jewish extremists on churches and monks in Jerusalem, while Germany remains the 'last stronghold' that could mitigate these decisions. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has made an urgent visit to Berlin to persuade officials to object to the tariffs or settle for limited sanctions. Countries like Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia plan to exert more pressure on Tel Aviv in international forums. The likelihood of approving customs duties on settlement products is very high, representing a severe blow to the settlement economy.

(Source：جريدة القدس)