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Portugal open to sanctioning Israeli ministers

by AI | 30.Aug 2024 | Europe in brief AI

For Paulo Rangel, the possibility of imposing restrictive measures is confined to specific elements of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government, who have “committed actions” or made “piercing statements” that can contribute to exacerbating the climate of tension in the Middle East.

The Foreign Minister mentioned the need for consensus in adopting sanctions

BRUSSELS – The Foreign Minister revealed that Portugal “is open” to considering sanctions against specific elements of the Israeli government, if there is a “European consensus”, following the appeal made by the head of European diplomacy.
“The Portuguese government, naturally, is open to considering this,” said Paulo Rangel, in Brussels, during a meeting of the European Union’s (EU) foreign ministers.
The Foreign Minister added that the country’s openness to this possibility is limited to specific elements of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, who have “committed actions” or made “excruciating statements” that could contribute to exacerbating the climate of tension in the Middle East.
But for this sanctions regime to be considered, a “European consensus” on the matter is necessary, Paulo Rangel stressed.
“We are receptive to this, we have to see the concrete proposals, but there are already sanctions, for example, in the case of settlements in the West Bank, on the western bank, in that part of Palestinian territory,” he added.

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, appealed to the community bloc to “set aside taboos” on sanctions against Israeli ministers who spread hate and incite “unacceptable” attacks. (29/08/2024)