The European Union (EU) has announced sanctions targeting four organizations and three individuals, describing them as 'extremist Israeli settlers' responsible for 'serious' human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
According to a statement on May 22, the EU said these entities had violated multiple rights, including the right to physical and mental integrity, privacy, family life, freedom of religion, and education. The sanctions are part of a package agreed upon by the EU in early May to address both Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders.
The sanctions list includes the Nachala Settlement Movement and its director, Daniella Weiss. The EU accuses the organization of 'encouraging and facilitating coercive acts that lead to the displacement of Palestinians from their homes.'
Israeli NGO Regavim and its director, Meir Deutsch, were also blacklisted for advocating 'the destruction of Palestinian property' to expand Israeli control across the West Bank, including the demolition of a Palestinian elementary school funded by the EU.
NGO Hashomer Yosh and its chairman, Avichai Suissa, were sanctioned for supporting at least 28 violent outposts and settlements. The EU added that the organization recruits armed volunteers and provides guards who participate in violent attacks.
The Amana cooperative association, part of the Gush Emunim settlement movement, was also included. The EU stated that the organization 'played a key role in initiating, financing, and facilitating at least 30 violent settlements and outposts.'
With the latest additions, the EU said a total of 136 individuals and 41 organizations from various countries are now sanctioned under the bloc's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. This regime was established in 2020 and applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights violations.
The measures targeting Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians have been long-awaited, previously blocked by the illiberal government of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, after the appointment of new Prime Minister Peter Magyar, the veto was lifted earlier this month.
Israel has previously condemned the sanctions, asserting that Jews have the right to settle in the occupied West Bank, despite this violating international law. In 2025, the expansion of Israeli settlements reached its highest level since at least 2017, when the United Nations began tracking data.
Since Israel launched its genocidal war in Gaza, the West Bank has seen near-daily violence involving Israeli forces and settlers. According to the UN, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory.
