France Studies Imposing Sanctions on Settlers Involved in Violence Against Palestinians

SadaNews Translation - Three European diplomats told Reuters on Saturday that France is working with several countries to escalate pressure on Israel by proceeding with coordinated sanctions targeting settlers linked to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The diplomats stated, according to SadaNews translation, that the measures, which will include asset freezes and travel bans, have not yet been finalized, and countries may adopt different lists for these settlers.

This move comes amid rising violence from Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and highlights the anger in many Western countries towards the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which has expanded the scope of settlements. Diplomats say this expansion aims to undermine the prospects for a Palestinian state.
 
The diplomats noted that with efforts within the European Union to impose stricter measures against Israel stalled, several countries have concluded that coordinated national sanctions are the best option at this time.

One diplomat stated: "There is no consensus at the EU level, so we have moved to discussions at the national level."

Two diplomats mentioned that the announcement will be made in the coming days.
Another diplomat said that Britain and Norway were among the countries coordinating with France, although it remains unclear who else might join.
 
A French diplomatic source, declining to provide further details, said: "In the face of settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank, we have already taken action. More may follow."

France Hosts Meeting to Keep the Issue on the Agenda

This effort to increase pressure on Israel at the national level comes just days before France hosts a meeting on June 12 in Paris, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups and about a dozen foreign ministers.

The meeting will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the New York Declaration, a non-binding UN resolution adopted by the General Assembly that set a roadmap towards a Palestinian state and led to the recognition of a Palestinian state by about a dozen countries, including France, in September.

French officials stated that they want to keep the issue on the international agenda, as wars in Iran and Lebanon divert attention away from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while talks about the future of Gaza remain stalled despite a fragile ceasefire.