Media: EU weighs possible sanctions on Israeli minister

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has agreed to a request from Italy to discuss possible sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following the detention of pro-Palestinian activists in the Israeli port of Ashdod, sources told ANSA. 

According to sources cited on May 22, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani requested that the issue be placed on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for June 15.

The request was reportedly raised during a May 22 meeting of Coreper II, the committee representing the permanent representatives of the EU’s 27 member states, and received backing from several countries, the sources said.

The controversy centres on the treatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza, who were detained in Ashdod on May 20. Video footage circulated publicly showed some activists kneeling blindfolded and handcuffed while under detention.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of the Israeli government, publicly commented on the incident, mocking the detained activists and describing them as “wannabe heroes.”

He also told the detainees, “Welcome to Israel,” in footage that was later shared publicly.

Separately, EU sanctions targeting a group of Israeli settlers accused of involvement in violence are expected to receive formal approval next week, according to the sources.

By Sabina Mammadli