The EU has urged member states to impose “consequences” on Israel if its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose Palestinian statehood, as Brussels looks to step up pressure on the premier to advance efforts towards long-term peace.
The proposed threat, to be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, underscores rising unease at Israel’s stance among many of its western allies, as the civilian death toll from its war against Gaza mounts, stoking instability across the Middle East.
EU member states should “set out the consequences they envisage to attach to engagement or non-engagement” with their proposed peace plan that includes statehood for Palestine and mutual sovereign recognition — the so-called two-state solution — Brussels has proposed in a document circulated to capitals ahead of Monday’s meeting and seen by the Financial Times.