European Countries Call for Sanctions on Israel's Ben-Gvir

Several EU member states have called for sanctions against Israel's Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over what they described as degrading treatment of activists in a Gaza aid convoy, escalating pressure on Jerusalem at the European level. The move has also drawn political reactions from Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic as the dispute widens within the bloc. Italian Prime Minister Meloni condemned the footage and demanded the release of detained Italian citizens. Italian Foreign Minister Tajani asked that a sanctions item be added to the agenda of the EU Foreign Ministers meeting. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said he would work to expand sanctions across the EU. Czech Foreign Minister also pledged to block sanctions on Israeli government ministers. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Ben-Gvir's conduct did not align with his country's values.