Hardt Demands Sanctions Against Ben Gvir: EU Response

What Is New Since August 17, 2026

Hardt is the foreign policy spokesperson of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag. With his move, he takes the German debate about the relationship with the Israeli government to a new level. Until now, the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had shown restraint when it came to sanctions against individual Israeli government members.

At the European level, the issue of sanctions against Israeli politicians had come up repeatedly in recent months. Several EU member states, including Spain and Ireland, had already spoken out in favor of more restrictive measures. The German government and France, by contrast, had warned against an escalation of relations with Israel.

Background: Who Is Itamar Ben Gvir

Parallel to the debate over sanctions, discussions about the future of German Middle East policy are continuing in Berlin. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) had most recently emphasized that the German government is committed to a ceasefire and humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the question arises as to how far Germany would go in possible sanctions against individual Israeli government members.

Within the Ampel coalition and among the opposition parties, attitudes toward Ben Gvir are divided. While parts of the SPD and the Greens also sharply criticize his statements, large parts of the Union as well as the FDP fundamentally reject sanctions against a democratically legitimized minister of a partner country. Hardt's move could reorganize this debate.

Reactions and Open Questions

From the German government itself, there was initially no statement on Hardt's demand on Tuesday. A spokesperson referred to ongoing consultations at the EU level. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also initially did not respond publicly to the CDU politician's demand.

Outlook: Consultations at the EU Level

The conflict in the Gaza Strip, which began after the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, with the Israeli military offensive, continues unchanged. According to UN figures, tens of thousands of people have been killed, and the humanitarian situation in the coastal area is considered catastrophic.

Hardt's move is part of a growing number of European voices calling for a tougher course toward the Israeli government. Whether the EU will actually impose sanctions on Ben Gvir is currently open. EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels next month for further consultations on the situation in the Middle East.