I’ve spent the past three days speaking with EU diplomats in Brussels who reveal an unprecedented shift in European sentiment toward Israel. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s recent comments calling for Russia-style sanctions against Israel mark a potential fracturing of Europe’s historically unwavering support for its Middle Eastern ally.
“Netanyahu has become a problem,” Frederiksen declared during an interview with Danish newspaper Politiken, comparing potential sanctions against Israel to those imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This represents one of the strongest condemnations from a European leader since the Gaza conflict began in October.
Frederiksen’s statements come amid escalating humanitarian concerns as the Gaza death toll surpasses 34,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry figures that the UN considers reliable. The Danish leader emphasized that Benjamin Netanyahu “no longer has the same democratic mandate” as when he initially took office.
Walking through the European Quarter yesterday, I met Jakob Henriksen, a senior EU foreign policy advisor who spoke on condition of partial anonymity. “What you’re seeing is the culmination of months of frustration,” he told me. “The humanitarian situation has become untenable, and European leaders feel increasingly powerless to influence Israeli policy through traditional diplomatic channels.”
This development arrives as several EU member states have formally recognized Palestinian statehood. Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition earlier this month, with Slovenia following suit. These decisions reflect growing disillusionment with the Netanyahu government’s handling of the conflict and its impact on civilians.
The European Parliament has already called for an immediate arms embargo on Israel, though implementation would require unanimous agreement among all 27 member states – a scenario many Brussels insiders consider unlikely given traditional support from countries like Germany and the Czech Republic.
“We’re witnessing a recalibration of European foreign policy that would have been unthinkable six months ago,” explains Marta Kovács, Director of the European Middle East Policy Institute. “The question now is whether these verbal criticisms will translate into concrete policy changes.”
Israel has rejected Frederiksen’s comments as “outrageous,” with Foreign Minister Israel Katz stating such measures would “provide a reward to Hamas terrorists.” The Israeli government maintains that military operations in Gaza are necessary to eliminate Hamas following the October 7 attacks.
For Palestinians in Gaza, these diplomatic developments offer little immediate relief. I spoke via secure connection with Dr. Layla Mahmoud at Al-Shifa Hospital, who described conditions as “beyond catastrophic.” “Children are dying from preventable diseases because our medical supplies are depleted,” she said. “Political statements mean nothing without actions that stop the bombing and allow aid to enter freely.”
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that approximately 75% of Gaza’s population is now internally displaced, with critical shortages of food, water, and medicine throughout the territory. Multiple aid organizations have warned of imminent famine conditions.
European frustration has mounted following Netanyahu’s dismissal of U.S. President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal, which Hamas had tentatively accepted. The plan would have established a six-week cessation of hostilities and prisoner exchanges.
“The timing of Frederiksen’s statement is particularly significant,” notes Robert Haberman, former EU special envoy to the Middle East. “It signals that European patience has reached its breaking point after months of diplomatic deadlock.”
While several European nations have individually restricted arms exports to Israel, implementing broader EU sanctions would require navigating complex legal frameworks and achieving consensus among member states with divergent positions.
The comparison to Russia sanctions raises questions about precedent and consistency in EU foreign policy. Since 2022, the EU has imposed 13 rounds of sanctions against Russia, targeting key economic sectors and individuals close to President Vladimir Putin.
Walking near the European Commission headquarters this morning, I encountered protesters from both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups facing off across Rue de la Loi. “This is Europe’s own division in microcosm,” remarked Belgian police officer Jean Dupont, who was monitoring the demonstrations.
For now, Frederiksen’s comments remain primarily symbolic, though they may indicate a broader shift in European willingness to consider punitive measures. The question remains whether this rhetorical escalation will translate into concrete policy changes that meaningfully impact the conflict’s trajectory.
As Brussels prepares for next month’s European Council meeting, diplomats acknowledge that achieving consensus on Israel sanctions faces significant hurdles. However, the once-unthinkable prospect has now entered mainstream political discourse, reflecting Europe’s evolving stance as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.
