German Foreign Minister Johan Wadefull has not ruled out the possibility that the European Union could impose new sanctions on Israel. The remarks came after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for targeting 30-40 civilians in the Gaza Strip daily.
The EU has already imposed sanctions on Israeli settlement organisations, and Germany supports those decisions. The German minister made the statement in an interview with the Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft media group.
A potential new sanctions package would be discussed if Israeli actions continue or escalate. However, Wadefull clarified that any decision would require the consent of all EU member states.
The announcement is notable because Germany has traditionally been restrained in taking critical steps against Israel, especially on security matters. But this time, it is not just about one minister but rather an official Berlin position that does not rule out new restrictions.
Ben-Gvir's call essentially challenges fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, and the EU appears no longer able to ignore such statements. It now all depends on how far the Israeli government distances itself from that remark, and whether EU members are ready to reach a unified position, which, given existing disagreements, will not be easy.
