This is a highly charged and politically sensitive topic. It’s important to frame the answer with precision. The term “genocide” is a specific legal term, and while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is investigating the charge, it has not yet issued a final ruling. However, many countries and international bodies have accused Israel of actions that could amount to genocide and have taken significant diplomatic steps to stop the military operation in Gaza.

The most proactive European countries in opposing the policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government have been Ireland and Spain, often working in coordination with Belgium and, to a significant extent, Norway (which is not an EU member but is a key European partner).

These countries have moved beyond statements to concrete legal and political actions. Other nations have been critical but more cautious in their measures.

Most Proactive: The Core Group (Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Norway)

This group has distinguished itself by taking tangible, high-level diplomatic and legal actions.

1. Ireland: Has been one of the most vocal critics. Its actions are rooted in its own history of conflict and neutrality.
   · Legal Action: Strongly supported South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and has repeatedly called for the EU to review its trade agreement with Israel (the EU-Israel Association Agreement) on human rights grounds.
   · Political Action: Irish leaders have consistently used the term “de facto annexation” and “plausible genocide” in describing the situation. They have been relentless in pushing for an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access at EU summits.
2. Spain: Under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain has been a leading force in the EU, often working in tandem with Ireland.
   · Diplomatic Recognition: Along with Ireland and Norway, Spain officially announced it would recognize the State of Palestine, a significant move aimed at bolstering the political viability of a two-state solution.
   · Arms Embargo: Spain has suspended arms exports to Israel since the conflict began.
   · EU Pressure: Sánchez has been a sharp critic of the EU’s inconsistent policy, openly criticizing other member states for their reluctance to take a stronger stance against Netanyahu’s government.
3. Belgium: Has taken a similarly strong line, both in its national capacity and within EU institutions.
   · Legal Action: Joined South Africa’s case at the ICJ as an intervening party, a major step that signifies a deep commitment to the legal process.
   · Domestic Action: Imposed a ban on arms exports to Israel and its Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, has been openly critical of the scale of civilian casualties.
4. Norway (non-EU): While not an EU member, Norway is a major European diplomatic player and has been pivotal.
   · Diplomatic Recognition: Took the lead with Ireland and Spain in recognizing Palestine.
   · Funding: A major donor to Palestinian institutions and UNRWA, and has been vocal about the humanitarian catastrophe.

Critically Vocal but More Cautious

Several other countries have been highly critical but their actions have been more focused on diplomacy and aid within the EU framework.

· France: President Macron has been increasingly critical, calling for an “immediate and lasting ceasefire” and expressing outrage over civilian deaths. France has not joined the ICJ case but supports its work. However, it has been more cautious about unilateral actions like recognizing Palestine, preferring a coordinated EU approach.
· Portugal: While not as vocal as Spain, it has often aligned with the critical voice within the EU, supporting strong calls for ceasefire and humanitarian pauses.
· Luxembourg: Its Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, has been personally very outspoken in his criticism, but as a small state, its influence is more rhetorical than decisive.

The Cautious or Opposing Bloc

This group includes some of the most powerful EU members who have been far less proactive in stopping Netanyahu, often prioritizing other interests.

· Germany: As Israel’s strongest historical ally in Europe and due to its special historical responsibility stemming from the Holocaust, Germany has been extremely cautious. It has intervened as a third party in the ICJ case in support of Israel, arguing against the genocide charge. It has emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for respect for international law. It has not supported an unconditional ceasefire.
· Austria, Czechia, Hungary: These members are among Israel’s strongest supporters within the EU. They have consistently blocked or diluted stronger joint EU statements condemning Israel and have opposed measures like reviewing the trade agreement or calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Key EU-Level Actions and Divisions

The European Union itself has been deeply divided, which has limited its ability to act as a unified, proactive bloc. Key actions include:

· Humanitarian Aid: The EU and its members are the largest aid contributors to Gaza.
· Statements: Issuing numerous, though often watered-down, statements calling for respect for international humanitarian law.
· Division: The internal split between the critical nations (like Ireland/Spain) and the supportive nations (like Germany/Czechia) has often resulted in a lowest-common-denominator policy that is perceived as weak.

In summary: The most proactive European countries in trying to halt the Israeli military operation in Gaza through legal, diplomatic, and political means are Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and Norway. They have moved beyond rhetoric to concrete actions like supporting the ICJ case, recognizing Palestine, and imposing arms embargoes. Their efforts, however, are often countered by a more cautious or supportive bloc within the EU led by Germany, limiting the overall impact of European policy.