Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo revealed that his government is considering imposing trade sanctions on Israel in response to its ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, expressing his concern about the escalation of violence and the high number of civilian casualties. This came in an interview with the newspaper “Het Laatste Nieuws.” Belgian.
The proposed sanctions, as explained by De Croo and reported by the Israeli newspaper Globes, will include banning imports of products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including goods such as olive oil, dates and wine.
Globes notes that Belgium, among several other European Union countries, has been vocal in its criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza since the outbreak of war last October.
Increased orientation against Israel
De Croo’s statements highlight the growing trend among European Union countries to adopt measures against Israel and fulfill Palestinian demands.
In addition to Belgium, countries such as Ireland, Spain, Malta, Slovenia and Luxembourg called for a re-evaluation of the European Union’s relationship with Israel, stopping arms sales to it, and urging an immediate ceasefire, according to Globes.
The Belgian Prime Minister justified his study of trade sanctions by saying, “We cannot simply stand idly by and use flowery words,” pointing to the increasing civilian casualties as a result of “Israeli military actions.” He considered that taking decisive action and steps against Israel was a moral necessity.
Globes believes that, despite Belgium’s intentions, the possibility of implementing such sanctions at the EU level remains uncertain, with opposition from major EU members, including Germany and Italy, along with support from pro-Israel countries such as Austria and Hungary, which could lead to… Impeding the success of the proposal.
Globes pointed to Belgium’s notable role in leading efforts to ban imports from Israeli settlements, as the municipality of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, recently issued legislation prohibiting such imports.
De Croo pointed out that if action at the European Union level fails, Belgium may take unilateral measures in alliance with other European Union members who support Palestinian rights.
Globes stresses the need not to underestimate the potential impact of trade sanctions on Israel in Europe, as the European Union is considered Israel’s largest trading partner, with significant implications for both Israeli exports and imports. Belgium, in particular, ranks as Israel’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, largely due to its diamond trade.