The High Representative of the European Union for foreign policy and security policy Joseph Borel proposed that the 27 member states impose sanctions on members of the Israeli government.

The proposed sanctions target Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, the German Agency was informed by EU officials shortly before today’s meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have recently caused a stir with anti-Palestinian statements. They are far-right partners in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition.

Both support the settlement policy of the occupied territories, which the UN’s top court considers illegal.

Ben-Gvir recently called for an end to aid shipments to the Gaza Strip to put pressure on the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas.

Smotrich made a similar statement, proposing an aid freeze until all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are released. He argued that doing so was morally justified, even if it meant putting the lives of 2 million people in the Gaza Strip at risk.

According to Israel, Hamas is still holding 107 hostages in Gaza. At least a third of these are believed to be no longer alive.