Day: September 17, 2025

Israel Threatens Countermeasures Amid EU Sanctions Proposal

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned on Wednesday that Israel would retaliate if the European Union imposes sanctions regarding its military operations in the Gaza Strip. The sanctions package, currently pending approval from EU member states, includes a potential suspension of trade benefits. reports 24brussels.

Sa’ar stated on X that “steps against Israel will be met appropriately, but we hope they will not be necessary.” His comments were made following the European Commission’s announcement of new measures that could impose tariffs on certain Israeli imports, including changes to existing trade arrangements under the association agreement.

Describing the European proposals as “morally and politically distorted,” Sa’ar expressed concern over their adoption, citing past instances of opposition from key EU countries like Germany and Hungary. He pointed out that these nations resisted earlier attempts to suspend research funding and impose sanctions on Israeli officials.

Sa’ar further emphasized, “Steps against Israel will harm European interests,” asserting that Israel, supported by its allies in Europe, would resist any attempts to undermine its security amid what he described as an existential war.

The likelihood of these measures gaining support from EU capitals remains uncertain. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s representative for foreign affairs, acknowledged a shift in public opinion in Europe but noted that achieving consensus within the Council was still challenging. She confirmed that if necessary, the Commission might introduce additional proposals to pressure Israel into addressing the ongoing situation in Gaza.

^​_{Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar speaks during a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart at the Foreign Minister’s office in Budapest, on 8 September, 2025. © PHOTO ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP}