Israel slams ‘disgraceful’ sanctions by six Western nations against West Bank settler entities

Jerusalem: Israel's foreign ministry has criticised a coordinated package of sanctions announced by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway against entities and individuals linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said Israel "firmly rejects" the measures, arguing that they unfairly target Israeli citizens, organisations and government officials.

According to Israel, the sanctions go beyond addressing violence and instead seek to influence political questions surrounding settlements and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What triggered the sanctions?

The six countries said the sanctions were aimed at individuals and organisations accused of contributing to increased settlement activity and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Several Western governments have become increasingly vocal about concerns over settler violence, expansion of settlements and the impact of such developments on prospects for a two-state solution.

The latest measures target settler groups and individuals whom the countries accuse of undermining stability and contributing to tensions in the occupied territory.

France bans Israeli minister

As part of the wider action, France announced an entry ban on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Smotrich's support for settlement expansion, annexation of the West Bank and policies affecting Palestinian governance were incompatible with international efforts to achieve a negotiated peace settlement.

France also imposed restrictions on several settler leaders and individuals accused of involvement in violence.

UK warns businesses over settlement activities

The United Kingdom simultaneously urged British citizens and companies to avoid financial dealings connected to Israeli settlements that are considered illegal under international law.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said violent settler groups should not profit from land allegedly taken from Palestinians and called for greater accountability regarding attacks and intimidation in the West Bank.

Israel accuses West of political interference

Israel rejected the rationale behind the sanctions, insisting that the measures are politically motivated.

The foreign ministry argued that the sanctions attempt to impose an external political position regarding Jewish settlement activity and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli officials maintained that the actions unfairly single out Israel while ignoring the complex security challenges facing the country.

Growing international pressure

The latest sanctions reflect increasing international scrutiny of developments in the West Bank.

Several countries have recently taken steps against Israeli ministers and settler organisations amid concerns over settlement expansion and rising violence since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.

The issue has become a growing point of tension between Israel and some of its Western allies, many of whom continue to support a two-state solution while criticising policies they believe threaten its viability.