Israeli air strikes on Iran have deepened divisions among European Union countries, intensifying debate in Brussels over possible punitive measures ahead of key diplomatic meetings later this month, Euractiv Spain reports, reports Focus.
Following Israel's massive attack on Iranian targets, the EU - once a leading mediator in talks over Iran's nuclear program - is now looking for ways to de-escalate tensions in the region. EU foreign ministers will meet on June 23 after High Representative Kaia Kallas called a video conference to discuss "possible next steps" in the war between Israel and Iran.
But achieving a unified European position remains difficult: internal divisions over the Israeli offensive in Gaza are undermining the EU's credibility in the Middle East. Several proposals for a tougher approach towards Israel were considered even before its attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and the subsequent response by Tehran - a serious escalation that has heightened fears of a wider regional war.
Diplomacy or pressure?
The EU faces a dilemma - whether to focus its efforts on diplomatic pressure to end the hostilities between Israel and Iran, or to consider this conflict separately from Tel Aviv's policy in Gaza.
While differences in opinion on possible measures against Israel are evident, in recent weeks there has been a change in tone even from European countries traditionally close to Israel. In May, 17 out of 27 member states backed a proposal to revise the EU-Israel Association Agreement - a key instrument for political and economic cooperation - in order to pressure Israel to end its blockade of Gaza.
The initiative, presented by the Netherlands - a traditional ally of Israel - and discussions to limit arms exports from Germany, point to growing tensions in European capitals.
Kaia Kallas is expected to present a legal analysis on Israel's compliance with the human rights clauses in the agreement. According to EU sources, a preliminary assessment indicates that Israel is not fulfilling its obligations under Article 2 of the document.
The full or partial termination of the agreement requires unanimity - unlikely due to the resistance of Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary. However, some elements, such as trade clauses, can be changed by qualified majority, although this is unlikely under the current leadership of the European Commission.
Sanctions against Israeli politicians and settlers
Despite the reluctance to cut economic ties with Israel - the EU's largest trading partner in the region - pressure is growing for more targeted sanctions. Sweden and the Netherlands are pushing for restrictive measures against individual Israeli ministers over the Gaza operation - an idea that is gaining support.
The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have already imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers - Tamar Ben Gvir (Homeland Security) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance). Several EU countries, including Spain, Finland, Ireland and Luxembourg, are also calling for sanctions against extremist settlers in the West Bank. Previous attempts to do so were blocked by Hungary.
Southern Neighborhood in Focus
The tensions are likely to spill over into the upcoming meeting of EU ministers with their southern Mediterranean partners - Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia. The meeting, scheduled for next Monday in Brussels, has been postponed several times.
Israel was initially invited to participate, but the presence of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is no longer certain, EU diplomats and Israeli sources confirm.
Israel's mission to the EU declined to comment.