EU pressure grows on Israel

Danish prime minister signals potential sanctions as EU presidency, while France condemns the E1 settlement plan in a show of European pressure on Israel.

Denmark backs EU pressure on Israel over Gaza war as France condemns E1 plan

Denmark's prime minister Mette Frederiksen told Jyllands-Posten that Benjamin Netanyahu has become a problem and that Denmark will use its EU presidency to press Israel over the Gaza war. She said Denmark has long supported Israel but that the current leadership actions go against the country's interests. She described Gaza's humanitarian situation as absolutely appalling and catastrophic. Frederiksen said Denmark could apply political pressure and sanctions, possibly targeting settlers, ministers, or even Israel as a whole, if needed to push for change.

France condemned the E1 settlement plan as a serious violation of international law and said Paris would mobilize its partners to increase pressure, including the option of new sanctions. The E1 project would divide the West Bank into north and south and threaten a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem. The international toll in Gaza is put at more than 61,000 killed or missing, a figure that shapes political calculations across Europe. Denmark has also suggested that it will not recognize a Palestinian state while Hamas controls major parts of the territories claimed for a future state.

The remarks by Denmark's leader illustrate how EU nations try to balance long standing ties with Israel with a push for accountability. Denmark's stance under its EU presidency could steer a broader sanctions debate across the bloc, testing unity and economic ties. The conversation signals a shift from quiet diplomacy to public pressure and shows how European capitals seek leverage on the ground.

The E1 plan tests the EU's ability to act as a coordinated broker. France's firm stance suggests a willingness to link settlements to policy tools, a move that may provoke friction with Israel and complicate transatlastic ties. In the coming weeks, Europe will decide whether it can speak with one voice or drift into divergent paths that challenge diplomacy and the prospects for a two state solution.

Highlights

Europe faces a test of unity as it translates words into policy.