Major European Economy Considers Sanctions Against Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

A significant shift appears to be underway in Europe’s approach to Israel, as one of the continent’s leading economies is now openly questioning the future of its economic relationship with the Jewish state.

During a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called for a collective reassessment of the European Union’s trade ties with Israel. Veldkamp cited what he described as Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law, particularly the obstruction of aid into Gaza, and warned that “there must be limits.”

“There is a catastrophic humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza,” Veldkamp said. “We are drawing a red line.”

The comments sparked immediate support from several EU counterparts, including representatives from Spain, Slovenia, and France, who signaled readiness to explore coordinated economic responses. This marks a dramatic shift in tone, especially coming from the Netherlands, traditionally one of Israel’s strongest allies within the European Union.

Still, the move ignited backlash at home. Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch right and the top vote-getter in the most recent elections, slammed Veldkamp as “a weak minister” who had surrendered to pressure from global 'human rights' organizations.

Another EU diplomat put it bluntly: “It feels like Israel has stopped listening. There’s pressure from all sides, and yet no acknowledgment. That’s dangerous — for them, and for us.”

The potential consequences are far-reaching. The European Union is Israel’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 46.8 billion euros in 2022. Over 31% of Israel’s imports come from the EU, while 25.6% of its exports go to Europe.

While sweeping sanctions remain unlikely, discussions are already underway about targeted steps: revisiting preferential trade status, freezing cooperation in sensitive sectors, and intensifying scrutiny of Israeli imports and exports.

EU foreign ministers are set to reconvene on May 20 in Brussels, where the direction of the bloc’s Israel policy may be clarified further. As one senior EU figure noted, “This is not just about Gaza. It’s about whether we hold our partners - even our closest ones - accountable to the standards we claim to uphold.”

The Israeli government has yet to offer an official response.