LUXEMBOURG /PNN/ 

Luxembourg is considering taking unilateral measures against Israel after divisions within the European Union prevented member states from agreeing on broader sanctions against members of the Israeli government, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said.

Speaking to RTL, Bettel said his government was examining the possibility of adopting trade-related measures independently rather than waiting for a unified EU decision, reflecting growing frustration among some European countries over the bloc’s failure to reach consensus on tougher action against Israel.

Bettel said EU member states had failed to agree on sanctions against certain Israeli ministers following controversial statements, including remarks concerning violence against Palestinian civilians, which he described as “disgusting.”

He did not rule out Luxembourg taking action on its own, but acknowledged that any such measures would have limited practical consequences given the small volume of trade involved.

“This would, above all, be a symbolic measure,” Bettel said.

He added that any national initiative would require amendments to Luxembourg’s 2018 legislation governing import and export activities.

According to figures cited by Bettel, Luxembourg’s trade with the Palestinian territories amounts to less than 15,000 euros ($17,500), while total trade across the European Union is below 55 million euros. Trade specifically involving Israeli settlements is even smaller, he said.

The discussion comes as European governments increasingly consider national measures in response to the EU’s inability to agree on coordinated sanctions or trade restrictions against Israel.

The divisions highlight the growing gap between European governments over how to respond to Israel’s policies and the war in Gaza, with some countries pushing for stronger measures while others remain opposed to collective EU action.