STRASBOURG : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that the EU will freeze its bilateral support to Israel and move ahead with proposals for targeted sanctions, in a significant policy shift reflecting growing pressure over the bloc’s response to the war in Gaza.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said the Commission will put forward measures to sanction extremist Israeli ministers and partially suspend trade preferences under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

“We will put our bilateral support to Israel on hold,” she declared, though she did not specify which payments would be affected. “I am aware it will be difficult to find majorities. I know that any action will be too much for some, too little for others. But we must all take our own responsibilities.”

Her remarks highlighted the deep divisions within the European Union, where member states have struggled to agree on a unified approach toward Israel. Critics have accused the EU of failing to act decisively against what they describe as ongoing human rights violations in Gaza.

The decision to pause support comes after months of internal debate and mounting calls from lawmakers and civil society groups for stronger EU action. While von der Leyen acknowledged the political challenges ahead, she signaled the Commission’s determination to proceed with concrete steps regardless of hesitation among member states.

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