EU sanctions against Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir under discussion

The right-wing extremist Ben-Gvir had previously called for several dozen Palestinians to be killed every night in Gaza. You should “turn off 30 to 40 every night.” Not only people who pose an immediate danger should be killed. »There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn't live. “They’re not even human,” Israel’s security minister said.

Sanctions against Ben-Gvir have been discussed at the EU level for years, for example at the EU summit in June. Such a measure would result in entry bans and the freezing of assets in Europe. However, this step would require a unanimous decision in the Council of EU countries. Most recently, it was mainly the Czech Republic that objected to putting Ben-Gvir on the EU sanctions list.

Individual member states have already taken their own measures. For example, Ireland, France, Spain and Slovenia imposed entry bans on Ben-Gvir. The German federal government has so far shown itself to be cautious but open to negotiations.

Government spokesman Hille now pointed to a decision at the recent EU summit to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who call for violations of human dignity and international law. The foreign ministers would discuss this issue at an upcoming meeting soon. For the EU foreign ministers' meeting at the beginning of September, foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas will make new "suggestions," said Hille. It will also be about a possible reaction to Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank. "As an occupying power, Israel must treat Palestinians humanely, protect their property and ensure public administration and humanitarian care."

Criticism of Ben-Gvir's current statements also comes from France. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described them as “unbearable and inhumane.” What is happening in the West Bank is "unworthy and should disgust us all," Barrot said in an interview with the newspaper La Montagne. He threatened further sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Criticism of a highly controversial settlement project

Separately, Merz criticized a tender by the Israeli Ministry of Construction for a settlement project in the West Bank. The Chancellor is following the Israeli government's latest steps with great concern, said Hille. His message is: “There must be no further annexation steps in the West Bank, no formal, but also no political, structural or other measures that increasingly obviously lead to annexation. They stand in the way of a two-state solution.”

Israel, as an occupying power, must treat Palestinians humanely, protect their property and ensure public administration and humanitarian care, the spokesman said. At the same time, the Chancellor always makes it clear that Germany stands for the existence and security of Israel.

The tender envisages the construction of more than 1200 residential units. This is about the so-called E1 area between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. The area is considered one of the most sensitive points in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Development there would effectively split the West Bank into a northern and a southern part.