BRUSSELS — Suspending part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement could be on the cards over reports the country is breaching its human rights obligations in Gaza.
A leaked draft of the European Union’s list of potential measures, drawn up by the European External Action Service and seen by POLITICO, presents a series of options including the “full suspension” of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides for close ties on trade and other areas of cooperation.
Other proposals include the partial suspension of the pact, “i.e., the political dialogue” between Brussels and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which would require the unanimous support of all 27 member countries.
However, the review finds, “the suspension of the trade chapter” of the agreement “would withdraw the trade preferences for Israeli products to enter the EU market and could be decided by qualified majority vote in the Council,” which would be more likely to pass.
A potential ban on all imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank would require full agreement from member states. However, the document states that individual capitals could implement this policy at the national level.
Alternative suggestions include barring Israel from EU programs for students and scientists, such as Erasmus and Horizon, or limiting technical cooperation and memoranda of understanding.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, was tasked with drawing up proposals following a meeting of European leaders in June, focusing on what steps could be taken against Israel despite opposition from steadfast allies like Hungary and Germany.
That came after an EEAS review — first seen by POLITICO — determined “there are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
“In response to the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023, Israel launched an intense military campaign, involving the use of weapons with wide area effects in densely-populated areas, and severe restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential goods and services into Gaza,” the assessment found.
The paper will be discussed by foreign ministers from across the EU at a summit on Tuesday.
Earlier Thursday, Kallas said an agreement had been reached to ensure aid reached Gaza, hailing cooperation with the Israeli government and saying the bloc hoped to see deliveries of supplies made in the “coming days.”
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