Share This story: In its latest statement on the boycott, the European Union says it is “not in a position to declare” whether it will lift the ban on Israeli supermarkets from offering kosher groceries until the Israeli government makes a decision on the matter.

“The EU has already made clear its position that it will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that products sold in Israel do not violate the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and religion, including through the banning of Israeli retailers from selling products in Europe,” the EU statement reads.

“At the same time, we also believe that it is necessary to continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Israel is the only EU member state that does not have a kosher supermarket. 

It has the largest number of Jews living in Israel, with more than 12 million people, according to government figures. 

Kosher products are made in the country, which has a large Jewish community.

In recent years, there has been increasing concern that Israel is using food aid to prop up its military by supporting Islamist militias fighting in Syria and Lebanon. 

In April, a senior official from Israel’s largest kosher supermarket Alieva told Israeli media that there are no plans to introduce kosher products into the Israeli market.