Germany dampens prospects for EU sanctions on Israeli settlements

Germany poured cold water on prospects for new EU sanctions over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Monday, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul insisting restrictions on imports from the settlements should only be adopted unanimously by member states, reported dpa.

Wadephul said he wanted to focus on talks with the Israeli government rather than new sanctions, signalling Berlin's opposition to trade measures that have been championed by countries including Spain, Belgium and Ireland.

The European Commission prepared a range of options for EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, including restrictions and bans on imports of goods from Israeli settlements.

Germany's position makes swift progress on the proposals unlikely.

If the trade restrictions were formally classified as foreign policy sanctions, they could only be adopted unanimously, allowing Berlin and other sceptical member states to block them.

However, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted on Monday that there are differing legal views on the issue. She said the EU legal service believes the proposed trade measures would require only a qualified majority rather than unanimity.

That would mean support from at least 15 of the 27 EU member states representing at least 65% of the bloc's population.

Despite rejecting new sanctions, Wadephul echoed criticism of Israel's settlement policy, saying it was not in line with international law.

He said Germany expected the Israeli government to take decisive action against violent settlers, adding that he had conveyed this message during a visit to Israel last week.

The EU has been divided for months on how to respond to Israel's settlement expansion. While member states broadly agree the settlements are illegal under international law, they have so far failed to reach agreement on far-reaching sanctions.