France, allies eye coordinated sanctions to pressure Israel over West Bank violence

France is spearheading an effort with several allied nations to impose coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals linked to violence in the West Bank, according to three European diplomats. The proposed measures, which could include asset freezes and travel bans, are still being finalized, and participating countries might compile different lists of individuals.

The move comes as settler violence in the West Bank intensifies, fueling anger in many Western nations over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Critics point to the government's infrequent prosecution of perpetrators and its expansion of settlements, which they argue undermines the prospects for a Palestinian state.

Diplomats indicated that because consensus for stronger measures against Israel could not be reached at the European Union level, several countries have opted for coordinated national sanctions as the most viable immediate option. "There is no unanimity at the EU level, so we have moved to discussions at the national level," one diplomat stated.

France is set to host a meeting on June 12 in Paris, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups along with about a dozen foreign ministers. This gathering aims to keep the issue of West Bank violence and settlement expansion on the international agenda, just days after the planned announcement of national sanctions.

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There is no unanimity at the EU level, so we have moved to discussions at the national level.