Left Party's motion for Israel sanctions fails in Luxembourg parliament

Luxembourg MPs proved hesitant to impose unilateral sanctions against Israel, following a debate on the matter during a current affairs session on Thursday.

While most parties are not categorically ruling out such measures in the future, a majority argued that the fragile situation in the Middle East requires a carefully developed national legal framework first. This framework, as Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel emphasised during the session – which was requested by the Left Party (Déi Lénk) – is currently under development.

MP David Wagner of the Left Party was highly critical of the recent US-backed peace plan. While acknowledging that the plan had the "single merit" of interrupting the genocide and facilitating prisoner exchanges, he argued it was a step backward. He contended it violated international law and the principles of self-determination for the Palestinian people.

Given this, the Left Party argued that the option for targeted sanctions against Israel must remain on the table as a diplomatic tool. This position found a cautious echo from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV). CSV MP Laurent Zeimet stated his party was open to discussing targeted sanctions but would not support what he characterised as the constant pillorying of Israel. "We will not go along with acting as if the entire situation was solely the fault of the State of Israel," Zeimet stated.

Other parties advocated for a wait-and-see approach. Democratic Party (DP) MP Gusty Graas argued against immediately pursuing sanctions. Sam Tanson of the Green Party (Déi Gréng) agreed the situation was too fragile for unilateral action but stressed that alleged crimes must not be forgotten.

"The current situation of calm, of a peace that is on very shaky legs, must not lead to this not being addressed," Tanson said, expressing trust in international institutions to hold those responsible for atrocities committed "by both sides" accountable.

In a vote on a motion from the Left Party to sanction Israel, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) was the sole party to join them in support. The motion failed to gain broader approval, with other parties criticising its formulation or timing.

The Pirate Party found the motion's language "too sharp." MP Sven Clement suggested that any potential sanctions should be highly targeted. Similarly, MP Fred Keup of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) argued that "now was not the time for sanctions," adding that the hope ignited by recent US diplomatic efforts should be given a chance.

LSAP MP Yves Cruchten explicitly distanced himself from this view. He stated his party believes Luxembourg "must not look away from what had happened in the last two years." The LSAP's position is to support all sanctions at the European level and, where possible, to develop national measures against the Israeli government.

Weighing in on the debate, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel noted that achieving unanimity for EU-wide sanctions would be "virtually impossible." He positioned himself as seeking a middle path, clarifying that he is "not against [sanctions]" in principle.

"If we were to say now, after all that has happened in the Middle East, that we could no longer decide on sanctions against Israel, we would be making a big mistake," Bettel stated, citing unacceptable developments in the West Bank. However, he also cautioned that a unilateral move by the Luxembourg parliament would send the "wrong signal," advocating that the current focus should be on dialogue and de-escalation.

As a concrete outcome, the Chamber unanimously passed a DP motion calling for two actions: the government must present an evaluation by the end of the year on how Luxembourg could independently sanction third countries, and it must continue to support all peace initiatives in the Middle East.