Trade: "You buy our weapons, but not oranges": That's why EU sanctions are so unpopular in Israel
Several countries want to ban the import of goods from settlements in the West Bank. This causes outrage, a survey shows: Many Israelis accuse European partners of hypocrisy.
Britain, France, and Canada plan to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements. A survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 63% of Israelis want to react strongly to countries imposing sanctions, and 16% recognize other states' right to restrict imports from settlements to end the occupation of the West Bank. The Israeli population is opposed to sanctions, viewing them as an attack on the whole country, and many are unaware of the separation line between Israel and the West Bank.
Israel's defense exports reached $19.2 billion in 2025, with Europe being the largest buyer, and many Israelis feel that European partners are being hypocritical by banning settlement products while buying Israeli weapons.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
