EU's Shift on Israel: From Words to Action as Netanyahu Ignores Criticism
In recent months, European expressions of concern over the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu's government have escalated into outright condemnation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced horror and outrage at aid restrictions in Gaza, describing a "man-made famine." Brussels has also condemned settler violence and land grabs in the West Bank, which undermine the viability of a Palestinian state. Responding to bombings in Lebanon, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Israel's right to self-defence does not justify such destruction.
Ineffective Exhortations and Contemptuous Responses
Despite these strong words, the angry exhortations have achieved little. Netanyahu and his ministers have generally treated European critics with barely concealed contempt, emboldened by similar attitudes from their chief allies in the White House. The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner and offers significant academic benefits through programmes like Horizon research. However, internal disunity and an overoptimistic faith in persuasion have led the bloc to hesitate in using these relationships as leverage.
Signs of a Changing Approach
Belatedly, there are indications that a change in approach may be emerging. The recent election humiliation for Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was a setback for Netanyahu, who lost a key far-right ally. In February, Hungary was the sole EU country to vote against sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank, blocking a measure requiring unanimity. With Orbán's successor expected to take office, this proposal is likely to resurface.
Proposals for Economic Pressure
More broadly, Spain is formally calling for the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel, which grants preferential economic and commercial status, citing human rights violations. While such a measure would not gain unanimous support from countries like Germany, a partial suspension affecting trade parts of the agreement—previously advocated by von der Leyen—would require only a weighted majority. This may prove challenging, as seen last autumn, but the mood is shifting as Netanyahu's government's extremism becomes more apparent.
Geopolitical Consequences and Shifting Alliances
Last week, following angry exchanges over civilian deaths in Lebanon, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of a defence cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the current situation. Meloni, once a close political ally like Orbán, reflects a broader trend. As the geopolitical fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran destabilises economies, European governments can no longer afford to remain passive. With a third of Israel's trade conducted with the EU, Brussels holds significant leverage, yet its views have often been brushed aside, aided by figures like Donald Trump.
If the wind is now changing in European corridors of power, it is not before time. The pursuit of a maximalist regional agenda by Israel's prime minister, with no place for a two-state solution, has prompted a reassessment. European leaders are moving beyond mere exhortation towards tangible actions, recognising the need to use economic and diplomatic tools to influence change.
