🔶 EU foreign ministers will review a ban on imports from Israeli settlements

Diplomats say EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss, at a meeting in Brussels on Monday, the possibility of banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements located in Palestinian territories. The meeting is not expected to lead to an immediate decision, but its aim is to gauge how much support there is among member states for advancing such a measure.

Several EU member countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, have previously imposed separate trade restrictions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

These settlements are considered illegal under international law, but Israel does not accept that assessment.

Following increased pressure for action at the level of the entire EU, the EU’s executive arm this week has presented options for restricting trade with Israeli settlements.

One of these options is a ban on imports of goods from these settlements.

In Brussels, there is still disagreement over whether such a decision requires the approval of all 27 member countries or could be adopted by a qualified majority—a method the EU uses for certain decisions.

According to diplomats, Germany and Italy, two key EU players, have not yet made their final position on this move.

For years, the EU has faced internal disagreements in setting a unified approach toward Israel.

Some members support Israel firmly, while others, because of their support for Palestinians, are calling for a tougher stance toward Tel Aviv.