The EU has begun preparatory work on possible sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by sea, according to a report published on Friday.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that EU officials informed member states' ambassadors on Wednesday that diplomats had started work on potential measures against Ben-Gvir, despite continuing divisions among the bloc's member countries.
The report said discussions remain at an early stage and are taking place behind closed doors. A spokesperson for the European Commission did not immediately respond to Bloomberg's request for comment.
Israel attacked the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in international waters in mid-May. Live broadcasts from the flotilla showed Israeli naval forces intercepting the vessels.
A video later circulated by Israeli authorities showing Ben-Gvir walking among detained activists who were kneeling in tightly packed formations while zip-tied, drawing widespread global criticism.
Ben-Gvir appeared in the footage waving an Israeli flag and taunting detainees. All activists were later released following international backlash.
