France, allies plan sanctions over West Banksanctions over West Bank settler violence
France and several allies are preparing coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals linked to settler violence in the West Bank, diplomats said on Saturday.
The move follows earlier European pressure on Israel and comes as Western governments seek to curb attacks that have fueled tensions in the occupied territory.
It matters because the steps could widen diplomatic pressure on Israel and deepen rifts with European partners.
French and allied diplomacy
France and its partners view the sanctions as a way to increase pressure on individuals connected to violence in the West Bank. They are acting through national measures rather than waiting for a wider EU package, which allows a faster response.
Israeli government
Israeli officials have argued that EU sanctions on Israelis are politically motivated and lack a proper basis. They are likely to see new national measures as another unfair attempt to single out Israeli citizens and entities.
- The West Bank includes many major religious sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
- France has historically tried to keep influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy through European coordination.
- National sanctions can be faster to adopt than EU-wide measures.
Israel-Lebanon War
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a 60-day ceasefire that mandates Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon while the Lebanese army deploys across all border crossings and the south.
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