Israeli Foreign minister threatens action against EU sanctions
Israeli Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned that Israel will take countermeasures if the European Union imposes sanctions on the country over its actions in Gaza.
"Steps against Israel will be answered accordingly, and we hope we will not be required to take them," Sa'ar wrote on X. His remarks followed the European Commission’s presentation of a new package of measures over Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, including a suspension of trade benefits under the association agreement that would see tariffs imposed on certain Israeli imports. The package of measures still requires approval from EU member states.
Sa'ar described the proposals as "morally and politically distorted" and expressed hope they would not be adopted, "as has been the case so far". He appeared to be alluding to Germany’s opposition to an earlier proposal to suspend research funding and Hungary’s refusal to sanction two ministers.
"Moves against Israel will harm Europe’s own interests," Sa'ar added. "Israel will continue to struggle, with the help of its friends in Europe, against attempts to harm it while it is in the midst of an existential war."
It remains unclear whether the measures will win sufficient backing from EU capitals. EU Foreign Affairs representative Kaja Kallas struck a cautious note on Wednesday, saying that while public opinion was shifting across Europe, the balance in the Council remained "problematic". She added, however, that the Commission could, if necessary, table new proposals to increase pressure on Israel to improve the situation on the ground.
Israeli Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar, September 2025 © PHOTO ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP
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