Israeli foreign minister threatens action against EU sanctions
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar warned on Wednesday that Israel would take countermeasures if the European Union were to impose sanctions. The package still requires approval from EU member states.
"Steps against Israel will be met appropriately, but we hope they will not be necessary," 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.
Sa'ar described the proposals on X 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 the two ministers.
"Steps against Israel will harm European interests," Sa'ar added. "Israel, with the help of its friends in Europe, will continue to resist 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 speaks during a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart at the Foreign Minister office in Budapest, on 8 September, 2025. © PHOTO ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP
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