EU says sanctions against Israeli minister Ben Gvir under review

BRUSSELS — The European Union is reviewing possible sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir over his statements on Gaza, EU foreign policy spokesman Anouar El Anouni said Tuesday. Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels, El Anouni described Ben Gvir's remarks as unacceptable and said the bloc was actively weighing European sanctions against the minister. El Anouni added that the Israeli government bore responsibility for putting an end to such rhetoric from its own cabinet members. He said the statements were harsh and provocative and should not go unpunished. The spokesman also noted that the EU Council was reviewing a proposal to add Ben Gvir to its sanctions list under the global human rights violations regime. He said the assessment was ongoing. According to the statement, Ben Gvir said in mid-August 2026 that the Israeli military should carry out targeted killings in Gaza resulting in the deaths of 30 to 40 people each night.