Borrell asks EU to consider sanctions on two Israeli ministers

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday he has asked EU members to consider imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers for "hate messages" against Palestinians.

The messages, he said, broke international law.

While he did not name either of the ministers, Borrell has publicly criticised Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for statements he has described as "sinister" and "an incitement to war crimes" in recent weeks.

Borrell said EU foreign ministers held an initial discussion about this proposal at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday but did not reach unanimity - which would be required to impose sanctions.