EU ambassadors discussed a proposal to punish Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a meeting on Tuesday, but there was no qualified majority in favor of immediately triggering penalties, three diplomats told POLITICO.
In response to a European Commission review that found Israel in breach of its human-rights obligations under its association agreement with the EU, the commission proposed partially suspending Israel and limiting its access to a key research and development program for start-ups.
The diplomats reportedly noted Germany had withheld its critical support, but was growing closer to supporting such a sanction. Earlier Tuesday, Germany spoke out against steps towards annexing the West Bank, but as of yet has not joined France and the U.K. in announcing its intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
A final decision may not be reached until after the summer, the diplomats told POLITICO.
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