Trending Now - Germany and Italy Halt EU Move to Cut Ties With Israel
WHO:
Truthout - Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The Times of Israel - Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Israel, Hezbollah, Iranian-backed groups.
WHAT:
The Times of Israel - Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland requested the suspension of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel to be discussed on April 19th, 2026.
The Times of Israel - Germany and Italy rejected the proposal to suspend the EU’s cooperation agreement with Israel.
The Times of Israel - Trade between Israel and the EU reached €42.6 billion (NIS 166 billion) in 2024, including €15.9 billion (NIS 62 billion) in Israeli imports.
The Times of Israel - The EU provided €6 million (NIS 23.5 million) in financial support to Israel and €14 million (NIS 55 million) for projects related to the Abraham Accords.
WHERE:
The Times of Israel - The discussions took place in Luxembourg.
WHEN:
The Times of Israel - The meeting of EU foreign ministers occurred on April 19th, 2026.
The Times of Israel - Israeli ground operations in Lebanon were launched in March 2026.
WHY:
The Times of Israel - The push to suspend the agreement was motivated by rising anger over Israel's conduct in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.
The Times of Israel - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Israel "violates international law" and therefore "cannot be a partner of the European Union."
HOW:
The Times of Israel - The suspension of the EU’s cooperation agreement requires unanimity among the bloc’s 27 countries.
The Times of Israel - A partial suspension of the agreement facilitating closer trade ties requires support from a weighted majority of EU countries.
(UPDATED April 21, 2026 23:13 UTC)
on Sunday, EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg, where Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland called for a discussion on suspending the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel, citing rising anger over Israel's actions in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. However, Germany and Italy rejected this proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trade ties, which reached €42.6 billion in 2024, including significant Israeli imports. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Israel for violating international law, stating that such actions disqualify it from being a partner of the European Union.