By proposing sanctions against the sitting government ministers of a close partner nation, the European Union is stepping into uncharted and potentially perilous diplomatic territory. The move against Israel tests the limits of how the EU can use its power and could set a precedent for its relationships with other countries whose policies it opposes.
The EU has a long history of sanctioning officials from hostile states or non-state actors like terrorist groups. However, it is exceedingly rare for the bloc to target the democratically elected cabinet members of a country with which it has an Association Agreement and deep-seated economic and security ties.
This action raises fundamental questions about the nature of partnership in the EU’s foreign policy. It suggests a new doctrine where privileged relationships are strictly conditional on adherence to EU norms and values, and that violations can lead to personal, punitive measures against the partner’s leadership.
The choice to sanction National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is particularly pointed. It is a direct intervention in Israel’s domestic politics, signaling the EU’s deep opposition to the influence of the far-right in the Israeli government. This is a far more intrusive step than general condemnations or even broad economic tariffs.
The implications of this move could be far-reaching. Other countries in partnership with the EU, from Turkey to Egypt, will be watching closely. If the EU successfully sanctions Israeli ministers, it may feel emboldened to use this tool more widely in the future, fundamentally altering the dynamics of its foreign relations.