Sweden Shifts Diplomatically on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Sweden's government reconsiders its diplomatic relations with Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Key Points
- • Sweden condemns Hamas and asserts Israel's right to defend itself.
- • The government initially resists freezing trade agreements but later intends to do so due to human rights concerns.
- • Internal disagreements emerge within the ruling coalition regarding the diplomatic approach towards Israel.
- • Humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen, prompting a shift in Sweden's diplomatic tone.
As the conflict in Gaza escalates, Sweden's government has experienced significant shifts in its diplomatic stance regarding Israel. Following the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström condemned Hamas and emphasized Israel's right to defend itself. However, as Israeli military actions continued, leading to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sweden faced growing pressure to reassess its position.
Initially, Billström characterized Israel's military response as 'proportional,' but later acknowledged the need for compliance with international humanitarian law. The deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza have raised questions about Israel's adherence to these laws. Domestic political dynamics also influenced Sweden’s response, as opposition parties began calling for the retraction of Sweden's previous recognition of Palestine as a state, a position that Billström labeled 'premature.'
In January 2024, amid allegations of UNRWA staff engaging with Hamas, Sweden suspended its support for the Palestinian aid organization, only to resume it in March. By August 2024, the Swedish government resisted calls to freeze trade agreements with Israel, favoring continued dialogue instead. However, this approach has changed, with increased scrutiny of Israel's military actions and accusations of potential violations of international law.
By late July 2025, the situation shifted dramatically. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed concerns that Israel's actions might constitute war crimes. Subsequently, on July 31, 2025, the Swedish government announced its intention to freeze the EU-Israel trade agreement due to ongoing human rights violations and lack of adherence to democratic principles by Israel. This decision has not been without controversy; it generated internal dissent within the ruling coalition, particularly among the Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats.
Despite such critiques, the government maintained that freezing the trade agreement was crucial for pressuring the Israeli government while still upholding Israel's right to defend itself. As the conflict continues, Sweden's diplomatic strategy will be closely watched on the international stage.