The European Union remains divided on imposing sanctions on Israel, despite mounting criticism from some member states over the situation in Gaza and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Kaja Kallas said proposals to partially suspend the EU-Israel association agreement are still under consideration but lack the required support from member states.

“We didn’t see that today, but these discussions will continue,” she said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

She also rejected claims of a double standard in the bloc’s approach, questioning whether suspending the agreement would effectively halt Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

At the meeting, countries including Ireland, Spain and Slovenia pushed to revive the proposal, citing conditions in Gaza and ongoing violence.

Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares said relations could not continue as normal while the conflict persists.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also called for ending the agreement, positioning Spain among the strongest critics of Israel within the EU.

Belgium joined calls for stronger action, with foreign minister Maxime Prévot pointing to what he described as unprecedented levels of settler violence and concerns over recent legal developments in Israel.

However, Germany opposed suspending the agreement, with foreign minister Johann Wadephul advocating continued dialogue with Israel instead.

Human rights groups have also increased pressure. Amnesty International criticised the EU’s stance as a “moral failure,” while dozens of NGOs and over one million people have called for suspension of the agreement.

Separately, Kallas said the EU plans to impose new sanctions on individuals in Iran linked to restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with measures expected in May.

Additional proposals from France and Sweden include tariffs on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and limits on exports to those areas.

Outside the EU, Espen Barth Eide highlighted concerns over settlement expansion and called on Israel to release Palestinian tax revenues, which have been withheld since May 2025.

Israel has rejected criticism from European leaders. Foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Spain’s government of hypocrisy and bias, escalating tensions between Israel and some EU states.