Von der Leyen Condemns Israeli Settlement Expansion Amid EU Impasse

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday placed the responsibility for penalizing Israel squarely on European Union member states.

She confirmed that a formal proposal to halt trade preferences under the EU-Israel Association Agreement remains stalled.

The executive branch tabled the suspension ten months ago. The measure is still pending, requiring a qualified majority vote from national capitals to take effect.

Von der Leyen noted the potential severity of the move. “This proposal would have a significant economic impact, but it remains on the table for the Member States to vote on by qualified majority,” she said.

Settlement Expansion Condemned

The diplomatic impasse coincides with worsening conditions on the ground. Von der Leyen issued a stark denunciation of ongoing Israeli territorial expansion.

She labeled the continuous growth of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as utterly unacceptable. The violence employed to secure this expansion was characterized as abhorrent.

These actions directly undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, she said. Brussels maintains this framework as the sole viable route to enduring peace.

Stalled Sanctions

Internal EU divisions extend beyond broad trade agreements. Efforts to penalize specific Israeli officials have also failed to gain diplomatic traction.

Last month, the bloc agreed to implement sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers. However, attempts to broaden these measures have hit procedural roadblocks.

Several member states advanced a proposal to sanction Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Despite the push, European capitals have yet to reach the necessary consensus to execute the penalties.

Domestic Housing Agenda

Separately, the European executive is directing attention toward pressing domestic economic challenges.

Von der Leyen highlighted an acute housing crisis currently sweeping across Europe.

To address the systemic shortage, the bloc intends to initiate a European housing alliance.

A high-level European housing summit will also be convened to formalize the strategy.