Czech Republic: We will veto trade sanctions on Israel in the European Union

The Czech Foreign Minister said this afternoon, according to a quote distributed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry: “There are continuous attempts in the European Union to impose new sanctions against Israel. The Czech Republic will stand by Israel from this moment on, we will not allow any further commercial sanctions even if we have to block it as a single country. We will certainly not allow any suspension or freezing of Israel’s association agreement with the European Union, either in full or in parts Any of it. At this point, our position will be clear: ‘No.’

Some decisions in the European Union – including the suspension of the association agreement that underpins the relationship or even restrictions on organizations related to the settlements – require unanimous consent. This does not require that all 27 member states of the Union vote in favor of the measure, but that none of them will oppose. A state can avoid, in most cases. Until recently, it was Hungary that used this right of veto to thwart sanctions against Israel. After Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban lost the election last month, the country abandoned this policy. This reversal paved the way for sanctions imposed in recent weeks on the “Amana” organization and the “Regavim” organization related to construction in the settlements, as well as on individuals related to Israeli activities beyond the Green Line. Now, as mentioned, the Czechs undertake to replace the Hungarians in the role of sanctions absorbers, when the Czech minister referred in his words to “commercial sanctions” only.

The announcement is significant, in part, because the Union is expected to discuss at its upcoming meeting the imposition of restrictions on trade with settlements, a step that requires only a qualified majority of more than 55% of the countries representing more than 65% of the Union’s residents. In this context, Germany and Italy’s support for Israel so far constitutes a “blocking bloc”, due to the large population of both countries. A political source told Globes recently that the support of the two countries is still strong.

Czech policy towards Israel

The Czech Republic has emerged in recent years as a clear supporter of Israel in the Union, especially under the tenure of Andrei Babish. Babish previously served as prime minister, lost, but was re-elected in last year’s elections. Support for Israel crosses political camps in the country. The Czech Republic firmly opposed the recognition of a Palestinian state, expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself after October 7, and also provided arms and ammunition to Israel. Support for Israel among the Czech public has not eroded in the last three years, compared to that in other countries in Central and Western Europe.

Foreign Minister Sa’ar said at the press conference: “We are witnessing the attempt of certain left-wing governments in Europe to drag the European Union into a radical anti-Israel approach. These hostile governments harm the strategic relations with the only democracy in the Middle East.’ He praised the Czech Republic for its position.