The Socialists & Democrats Group (S&D Group) in the European Parliament objected earlier this week to an upgrade to Israel's trade agreement with the European Union, claiming it could give preferential trade status to products from settlements.
The S&D Group, the second largest political bloc in the EU, proposed delaying a decision on the agreement for two years, saying it hoped Israel would change its policy towards Gaza, the settlements and the peace process. Upgrading the agreement, a statement explained, would be inconsistent with EU foreign policy that condemns settlements in the West Bank.The group said it intends to request that the European Commission clearly state that Israeli products produced in Palestinian territories cannot be "lawfully traded" and therefore cannot be a part of the agreement.