Germany postpones decision on EU sanctions against Israel

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has delayed announcing his government’s position on European Union proposals to impose sanctions on Israel, a senior official said.

Merz had initially planned to present a joint stance from his coalition at a European leaders’ summit in Copenhagen on October 1, addressing EU proposals to restrict trade ties with Israel and sanction senior Israeli officials, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

However, “committing to a firm position at this stage would not be helpful,” the official said, citing a tentative agreement reached on September 29 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. Hamas has yet to respond to the plan.

Merz’s coalition, a combination of his conservative alliance and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), has been unable to reconcile divergent views on the sanctions. SPD politicians generally back the EU measures, while conservatives oppose them.

The Trump peace initiative may have eased pressure on Merz’s coalition, the official noted. Prior to the announcement, the government had not agreed on a unified position. On September 30, Merz described the U.S. plan as “the best chance yet” to end the conflict in Gaza.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to travel to the Middle East over the weekend, where he is expected to meet Israeli officials.

EU sanctions would require Germany’s support to pass. A partial suspension of trade under the EU-Israel Association Agreement needs a qualified majority among EU member states, while sanctions targeting Israeli ministers would require unanimous approval.

“If the coalition cannot reach an agreement, we automatically abstain,” the official added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev