High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, in a written answer on 1 July 2026, warned that Israel's new death penalty law violates the human rights clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and called for ongoing Council discussions on suspending trade provisions. The answer, responding to a question from 19 MEPs led by Estrella Galán (The Left), reaffirms the EU's principled opposition to capital punishment and highlights the law's discriminatory character against Palestinians.
Kallas noted that a 2024 review of the Association Agreement already concluded Israel would be in breach of Article 2 (human rights clause). Following that review, the Commission President announced measures including suspension of certain trade-related provisions, which require qualified majority support from Member States. Discussions are ongoing in the Council. The answer does not commit to immediate full suspension of the trade agreement, instead pointing to the ongoing Council process. On legal protection for incarcerated Palestinians, Kallas stated that such measures fall under the jurisdiction of third countries, but the EU will urge Israel not to enforce the law, which is currently under review by Israel's Supreme Court.
The answer provides no new concrete proposals or deadlines, largely reiterating existing EU positions and procedures. It signals continued diplomatic pressure rather than immediate punitive action, with institutional follow-up dependent on Council deliberations.