Italy ready to back EU sanctions against Israel and its ministers

Italy is open to considering European Union trade sanctions against Israel as long as they don't affect the civilian population, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday. Addressing the Italian Senate, Tajani also said Rome was in favor of sanctions against Israeli ministers who have "unacceptable" positions on Gaza and the West Bank.

The European Union has proposed to suspend parts of its free trade agreement with Israel, affecting about 5.8 billion euros of Israeli exports, the commission announced on Wednesday. The EU also announced that it would be placing sanctions on "extremist Israeli ministers," West Bank settlers, and Hamas. 

The EU is Israel's largest trading partner, and accounts for 32% of Israel's total international trade, an EU press release said. If the free-trade arrangement is suspended, Israel would face duties at the same level as other countries without a trade accord with the bloc. (Read More)