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Von der Leyen Vows Sanctions on Israel’s Extremist Ministers and Pauses EU Payments. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a tougher EU stance on Israel during her annual State of the Union speech. The EU will pause bilateral payments to Israel, though funding for civil society and Yad Vashem will continue. Von der Leyen also proposed sanctions on “extremist ministers” and violent settlers in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her announcement drew applause and jeers in a divided European Parliament, with some MEPs wearing red in solidarity with Gaza. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for 32% of its trade in 2024; any suspension could significantly impact the Israeli economy. Proposed trade suspension would mainly reimpose tariffs, not a full arms embargo, reflecting ongoing divisions among EU member states. Center-right EPP lawmakers have resisted some measures, leaving the Gaza resolution without guaranteed passage in Thursday’s vote. Center-left groups welcomed von der Leyen’s stance, hoping it will shift the Parliament toward tougher action against Israel.
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