Six Western Nations Impose Coordinated Sanctions on Israeli Settler Violence in the West Bank
Al Jazeera Staff
The UK, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Norway jointly announced sanctions targeting networks that fund and perpetrate settler violence in the occupied West Bank. They warned of further measures if Israel fails to address the situation. Israel condemned the sanctions as a political move, while Amnesty International called them a step but insufficient.
On July 14, six countries—the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Norway—coordinated the imposition of sanctions on networks involved in funding, supporting, and carrying out violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The move comes amid record expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, according to multiple statements from the nations involved.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on social media: “Together with partners the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, we are imposing new sanctions today targeting those responsible for the increase in colonial aggression and violence in the West Bank.”
Barrot also revealed that France has barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, three settler group leaders, and 21 other settlers from entering the country due to their involvement in violence in the West Bank.
Following the sanctions announcement, the six countries warned they are prepared to take further steps if the Israeli government does not adequately address the situation on the ground.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s Foreign Ministry immediately condemned the sanctions. Spokesman Oren Marmorstein stated: “Israel firmly rejects the shameful measures imposed by foreign governments on Israeli citizens, entities, and a minister.”
Marmorstein argued that “the true nature of these steps is an attempt to impose a political viewpoint regarding the right of Jews to settle in the Land of Israel and regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—disguised as anti-violence measures.”
Meanwhile, the UK government urged its businesses and citizens to avoid conducting financial activities in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told parliament: “I have strengthened the business risk guidance to make it clear and unmistakable: if you are a British citizen or business, you should not conduct any economic or financial activity in illegal Israeli settlements.”
Cooper added: “We believe that violent settler groups should not benefit from land they have seized from Palestinians.” She also criticized the Israeli government, saying it “has condemned some settler violence, but that rings hollow when there is almost no accountability.”
The UK government reiterated its call for Israel to halt settlement expansion, crack down on settler violence, prosecute those responsible, and remove restrictions affecting the Palestinian economy.
‘A Step, But Not Enough’
Amnesty International described the sanctions as “a step, but not enough.”
Kristyan Benedict, Amnesty International’s crisis response manager in the UK, emphasized: “If ministers are truly serious about sanctioning those who ‘support and sponsor violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank,’ they must act on the reality that settlements and settler violence are state policy—directed and funded by the highest levels of government.”
Benedict argued that targeting settler funding networks while the ministers running this campaign face no consequences amounts to “no real accountability—it leaves the masterminds untouched.” He called on the UK to sanction Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ministers Orit Strock and Israel Katz, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and to ban “all trade with settlements and halt cooperation and investment that enable occupation and racial discrimination.”
Israel rejects allegations that its military protects settlers during attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, saying such incidents are isolated cases violating military regulations and are under investigation. However, a UN inquiry concluded that Israeli authorities are directly involved in settler attacks that have killed, injured, and displaced Palestinians, while Israeli forces provide protection to settlers.
Under Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and suspended some arms export licenses. Like France, the UK has also imposed sanctions on far-right ministers in Israel’s cabinet, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Last year, the UK, along with allies including France and Canada, recognized the state of Palestine.
