European Union foreign ministers are considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against Israel if it goes ahead with its plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian leadership will hold a meeting this week to draft a comprehensive strategy to respond to Israeli annexation plans.
On Sunday, sources familiar with the European initiative told Israel Hayom that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is known for his “animosity” toward Israel, is pushing for sanctions.
Another well-informed European source told the Palestinian news agency, WAFA, that there has been growing momentum within the EU aimed at finding ways to confront the annexation plan, which, if implemented, would dash hopes for the implementation of the two-state solution.
The source pointed out that any resolution taken within the Union must be approved by the 27 members, despite predictions that some countries will veto such a resolution due to their relations with Israel.
"In order to avoid the veto," said the source, "the bloc will resort to other steps, such as freezing the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 program, through which Israeli think-tanks receive billions of dollars.” It is also considering the possibility of suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, which gives Tel Aviv the freedom of access to European markets. Non-renewal of the agreement means depriving Israel of significant economic advantages, WAFA reported.
The source added that the EU will aim at pressuring Israel through diplomatic and political channels to prevent it from taking any unilateral steps.
Meanwhile, Saeb Erekat, Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee, said the Palestinian leadership will hold a meeting, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, on Thursday to draft a full strategy to retaliate to annexation plans.
Speaking to the official Voice of Palestine radio, he held the American administration fully responsible for any steps taken by Israel in this regard.
He also slammed US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, for saying that the establishment of a Palestinian state will only take place "when the Palestinians become Canadians." He denounced the remarks as unprecedented insolence from a man promoting violence, murder and Israeli settlements.
