Ursula von der Leyen on Israel
TL;DR
Ursula von der Leyen has strongly called for suspending EU free trade concessions with Israel amid the Gaza crisis.
Key Points
She proposed the suspension of trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel association agreement in September 2025.
The Commission put bilateral financial support on hold, excluding funds for Israeli civil society groups and Yad Vashem.
The proposals followed a review which found Israeli government actions breached essential human rights elements under Article 2 of the Agreement.
Summary
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, significantly hardened the EU's stance toward Israel by calling for a partial suspension of the free trade provisions within the EU-Israel association agreement during her annual State of the Union address. This move was presented as a response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the blockade of aid, and Israeli government plans for settlements in the West Bank, which she cited as undermining the two-state solution. In addition to proposing the trade suspension, she also announced proposals for sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, while putting a hold on bilateral EU support, specifically excluding aid to civil society and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre.
The President's position marks an evolution following heavy criticism for the EU's previous muted response to the conflict. While she stated the EU remains an unwavering champion of the two-state solution, her actions signal a move to use the EU's economic leverage, as the bloc is Israel's largest trading partner. The success of these proposals depends on the Council adopting them, as unanimity or a qualified majority is required, meaning divisions among member states remain a challenge to her proposed hard line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ursula von der Leyen currently advocates for significant punitive measures against Israel, including a proposed suspension of trade concessions under the association agreement. She bases this stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and actions in the West Bank that undermine the two-state solution.
Yes, her position has notably evolved, marked by a public condemnation and proposals for trade suspension and sanctions. Previously, she faced criticism for a perceived prolonged silence or failure to take decisive action regarding the conflict.
She proposed that the European Commission table measures to suspend certain trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, she called for sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers in the West Bank.
Sources6
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Ursula von der Leyen calls for suspension of EU free trade with Israel | European Union | The Guardian
Suspension of trade concessions with Israel - European Commission
Gaza: Von der Leyen distances herself from Israel (while hiding behind member states' divisions)
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* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.