Singapore Imposes Sanctions on 4 Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

SadaNews - The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday that the country will impose financial sanctions on four Israelis and prevent them from entering its territory due to their involvement in "brazen acts of extremist violence" against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The ministry mentioned that the acts committed by the four Israelis in the West Bank are illegal and jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution. It added: "As a strong supporter of international law and the two-state solution, Singapore rejects any unilateral attempts to change the realities on the ground through illegal acts under international law."

The European Union had previously imposed sanctions on the four Israelis.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated in parliament in September that leaders of Israeli settler groups will be subjected to sanctions.

He also reprimanded Israeli politicians who spoke about annexing parts of the West Bank or Gaza, stating that the so-called E1 settlement project will lead to the division of the West Bank.

Balakrishnan added that Singapore will also recognize a Palestinian state in due course.

Most countries consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Israel disputes this, citing historical and religious ties to the area, and claims that the settlements provide security.

Although there have been close diplomatic and military relations between Singapore and Israel since Singapore's independence in 1965, Singapore voted in 2024 in favor of several resolutions expressing its support for United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state.