7月13日举行的欧盟外长会议将加沙局势、约旦河西岸定居点贸易以及是否对以色列国家安全部长伊塔马尔·本 - 格维尔实施制裁列入议程 [1]。尽管存在相关国际裁决，德国和意大利等成员国仍阻碍了对以制裁的推进，而欧盟高层则倾向于为维持与以色列的关系做出妥协 [1]。
批评人士指出，在会议期间，欧盟继续以“缺乏共识”为由对以色列在加沙和约旦河西岸的行为采取集体不作为态度 [1]。然而，泄露出的2017年法律备忘录显示，欧盟实际上已具备法律依据暂停与以色列的《联系国协定》[1]。此外，联合国人权机构于2026年6月发布的报告认定，针对巴勒斯坦儿童的故意攻击行为构成了种族灭绝、危害人类罪和战争罪 [1]。国际法院在2024年7月的裁决中也裁定，以色列对巴勒斯坦领土的占领非法，并要求所有国家不承认该占领合法性并合作终止之 [1]。
调查还发现，以色列方面损毁或破坏了超过1.5亿欧元（约合1.72亿美元）的欧盟资助基础设施且未受到任何问责 [1]。针对上述情况，文章呼吁各成员国利用现有法律工具绕过欧盟整体决策机制，单独对以色列实施制裁和追究责任 [1]。可采取的具体措施包括暂停双边合作、实施出口管制以阻止军售、禁止与非法定居点贸易以及实施定向制裁（如旅行禁令和资产冻结）[1]。
Critics argue that European Union member states are failing to act collectively against Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank by citing a lack of consensus, despite available legal mechanisms. [1] During the July 13 foreign ministers meeting, the agenda included discussions on these conflicts as well as trade with settlements and potential sanctions targeting Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. [1] The article notes that countries such as Germany and Italy have obstructed sanction efforts to maintain relations with Israel, while EU officials compromise to preserve ties. [1]
Legal foundations for action exist independently of current political gridlock. A leaked 2017 legal memorandum indicates the EU already possesses grounds to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel under existing law. [1] Furthermore, an investigation revealed that Israeli forces have damaged or destroyed over €150 million (approximately $172 million) in infrastructure funded by the European Union without facing accountability. [1]
International bodies also point to severe legal violations requiring response. A June 2026 report from a United Nations human rights agency states that deliberate targeting of Palestinian children constitutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. [1] Additionally, an International Court of Justice ruling in July 2024 declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, ordering all nations to cease recognizing its legitimacy and cooperate to end it. [1]
To address these issues without waiting for full EU consensus, member states are urged to utilize existing legal tools individually. Potential measures include suspending bilateral cooperation, implementing export controls to halt arms sales, banning trade with unauthorized settlements, and enforcing targeted sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes against specific individuals or entities. [1]