Borrell asked the European Union to consider sanctions against two Israeli ministers

(Patria) - The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said yesterday that he had asked the bloc's members to consider imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers for "hateful messages" against Palestinians, messages he said violate international law.

He did not name either of the ministers. But in recent weeks, he has publicly criticized Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for statements he described as "sinister" and "incitement to war crimes," Reuters reported.

Borrell said EU foreign ministers held an initial discussion on his proposal at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday. He said there was no unanimity, which would be required to impose sanctions, but the discussion would continue.

"The ministers will decide. It is up to them, as always. But the process has been initiated," he told reporters.

He said he had proposed that Israeli ministers be sanctioned for human rights violations.

Union sanctions mean a travel ban to the bloc and freezing of assets held in the EU.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Borrell of targeting him with false
claims that he called for the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank.

"I oppose the displacement of any population from their homes," he said.

Diplomats say it is unlikely that the EU will find the necessary unanimous agreement among the 27 member states to impose sanctions. But Borrell's decision to put forward such a proposal indicates the level of anger among some European officials over the words and actions of some far-right Israeli ministers. Even ministers from some countries that are strong allies of Israel, such as Germany and the Czech Republic, did not immediately break off discussions on sanctions in comments to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting.

Ireland, one of the most pro-Palestinian EU members, said it supports Borrell's proposal.

"We will support Josep Borrell's recommendation for sanctions regarding West Bank settler organizations that facilitate (settlement expansion), as well as Israeli ministers," said Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.

But Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani rejected the idea.

"We need to solve problems, convince the Israelis to make decisions that will lead to a ceasefire in Gaza," he said.

"This is the real priority."