Inside the EU debate on a trade ban on Israeli Settlements: no majority, legal uncertainty and a divided Europe

The European Union moved one step closer to debating restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements on Monday — but not closer to agreement. Despite growing pressure from countries including the Netherlands and Spain, EU foreign ministers remain deeply divided over whether any measures should be taken, how far they should go, and even what voting rules would apply. As diplomats prepare for another round of talks after the summer, the battle may prove to be as much about EU power and procedure as about the Middle East itself. Read on for our premium analysis.