Europe Expands Sanctions on Israeli Settlements; New Faces Emerge in Knesset Race
Several European nations, led by the UK, have announced new sanctions targeting goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and entities facilitating their expansion. The UK's Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, declared the ban on settlement goods, which will take effect in several months. France and Canada have joined this initiative, along with nine other countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. While the direct economic impact on Israel is considered minimal due to the small volume of settlement exports to these nations, the broader implications of sanctions against companies "aiding" settlement expansion are seen as more significant. The definition of "aiding" remains ambiguous and could be influenced by future Israeli government actions or domestic political considerations in the UK.
This move by European countries reflects a shift in policy towards territories they deem non-sovereign. Previously, the EU maintained a "business as usual" approach with formal condemnation for the West Bank, unlike the full embargoes imposed on Northern Cyprus, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia. However, a 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the illegality of Israeli presence in the West Bank has created an opening for more anti-Israel governments to implement sanctions at the national level. The Netherlands has taken a particularly stringent approach, banning not only imports but also intermediary services, and extending measures to the Golan Heights. Other nations like Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, and Belgium are also moving in this direction, potentially leading to broader trade disruptions as importers may choose to avoid any association with goods from disputed territories.
Israel faces the challenge of navigating these evolving international relations, which are also showing signs of strain with traditional allies. In Germany, the far-right AfD party is reportedly divided on its stance towards Israel, with its leader's rhetoric on Gaza and Iran mirroring that of the left-wing Die Linke. Similarly, in the United States, isolationist factions like the MAGA movement and certain progressive Democrats are questioning unconditional support for Israel, creating a "horseshoe" effect where centrist establishments, traditionally supportive of Israel, are weakening in allied countries.
Meanwhile, the deadline for candidate lists for Israel's upcoming Knesset elections on October 27 has passed, with 38 lists submitted, two fewer than in 2022. Projections suggest that only 12-14 lists have a realistic chance of entering the parliament, with an estimated one-third of the Knesset expected to be composed of new members. A notable trend among the new candidates is the significant influx of career civil servants and municipal officials, a phenomenon not seen in at least two decades. The article also notes the presence of former military and intelligence officials, as well as individuals from the non-profit sector, party apparatuses, and various professions, including lawyers, educators, media professionals, and academics.
