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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

France leads push for coordinated sanctions on Israel over West Bank violence

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • France is coordinating with several countries to impose national sanctions on individuals linked to violence in the West Bank.
  • These sanctions, which could include asset freezes and travel bans, are being pursued due to a lack of EU unanimity on tougher measures against Israel.
  • The move reflects growing Western anger over Israeli settlement expansion and escalating violence by settlers.

France is spearheading an effort with several other nations to increase pressure on Israel through coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals involved in violence in the West Bank. European diplomats revealed that the proposed measures, which may include asset freezes and travel bans, are being finalized, though countries might compile different lists of targets.

This initiative arises from the difficulty in achieving consensus for stronger measures against Israel at the European Union level. Diplomats indicated that the lack of EU unanimity has led several countries to conclude that coordinated national sanctions represent the most viable option currently. The announcement of these sanctions is expected in the coming days, with Britain and Norway mentioned as countries collaborating with France, although the full list of participants remains unclear.

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

— European diplomatExplaining the shift from EU-level action to national sanctions.

The push for sanctions underscores escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and widespread disapproval in many Western nations regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Concerns are particularly focused on the expansion of settlements, which some diplomats view as an attempt to undermine the prospects for a Palestinian state. A key point of contention is Israel's plan for the E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem, which critics argue would effectively bisect the West Bank and sever its connection to East Jerusalem.

France has stated that "In the face of settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank, we have already taken measures. More could follow." This action comes shortly before France is set to host a meeting on June 12 in Paris, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups to discuss the ongoing issues.

In the face of settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank, we have already taken measures. More could follow.

— French diplomatic sourceIndicating France's commitment to further action regarding West Bank issues.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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