A growing rift is opening inside the European Union over how to deal with Israel, as pressure mounts from several member states to take strong economic and diplomatic action.

At the center of the debate is the EU- Israel Association Agreement, a key trade deal that allows billions in commerce and business. In recent days, countries such as Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Slovenia have pushed to suspend parts of the agreement, arguing that Israel’s actions in the ongoing war and the West Bank violate human rights clauses, which are a key part of the deal.

France and Sweden have taken a slightly more measured, but still critical, approach, calling for specific sanctions against Israeli settlements, including restrictions on trade tied to those areas. Their moderate position is the more popular one in Western Europe, that the EU must take a stronger stance while still stopping short of a full economic breakoff.

But luckily, that push is being met with resistance from other European countries. Countries like Germany and Italy warn against taking steps that could destabilize relations with Israel. Instead, they are advising to have a conversation and create dialogue. At the same time, several Central and Eastern European countries, historically more aligned with Israel, are firmly opposed to any action, making it difficult for the EU to reach an agreement.

Major decisions such as suspending the trade agreement, would require unanimous support from member states. So, as long as that split persists, action against Israel is unlikely to actually happen.

There is a frightening part to all of this. Calls to reassess ties with Israel are no longer limited to the fringe, but are now coming from within the EU’s core. This shows a concerning change in European politics, where Israel needs to start questioning even its strongest alliances. Because for Israel, the implications are significant. The European Union is its largest trading partner, and any disruption to the trade deal could cause ruin to the Israeli economy.