Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the European Commission to take a clear stance on suspending the European Union’s association agreement with Israel, following his call to stop arms sales to the country.
At an event in Barcelona, Sánchez pressed for a response to the formal request made by Spain and Ireland in February, which seeks a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to concerns over alleged human rights violations by Israel.
Sánchez’s appeal underscores divisions among EU member states regarding trade ties with Israel. While Spain, Ireland, and Belgium push for reopening the agreement and imposing trade sanctions, countries like Finland, Austria, and Germany remain more hesitant.
Sánchez’s call for a halt to arms exports comes after intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
Moreover, 40 nations involved in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon recently condemned attacks on UNIFIL forces and demanded an investigation. These developments highlight the growing tension within the EU on its approach to Israel, amid broader concerns about human rights and regional stability.
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