EU Unanimity Rule Blocks Sanctions on Israeli Minister as Members Act Alone

The EU Foreign Affairs Council failed to reach consensus on June 15 for sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of Gaza flotilla activists. France, Italy, and Ireland have imposed unilateral bans and criminal investigations. The bloc's requirement that all 27 member states agree on individual sanctions remains unmet, creating a patchwork of national measures that dilutes diplomatic pressure compared to unified EU action.