NextFin news, On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Switzerland's parliament in Bern voted against proposals to impose sanctions on Israel and to recognize Palestine as a state. The decision came after a tense extraordinary session focused on the Gaza conflict.
The proposals, mainly put forward by left-wing members, aimed to sanction Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, the center-right and right-wing parliamentary groups opposed these measures, leading to their rejection.
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Martin Pfister defended the government's position during the parliamentary debate, emphasizing Switzerland's commitment to upholding international humanitarian law without resorting to sanctions. The government stated it would continue to engage diplomatically to promote respect for humanitarian principles.
The parliament's decision reflects Switzerland's cautious approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, opting not to take unilateral punitive actions such as sanctions or formal recognition of Palestine at this time.
This parliamentary session and vote took place in Bern, the Swiss capital, underscoring the nation's legislative stance amid international calls for responses to the conflict in the Middle East.
Sources: Tages-Anzeiger, "Israel: Schweiz verzichtet auf Sanktionen," published September 11, 2025; Le Temps, "Les propositions de sanctions contre Israël balayées au parlement," published September 11, 2025.
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