Arabic version: فرض ست دول عقوبات على شبكات العنف الاستيطاني في الضفة الغربية
The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Norway have imposed coordinated sanctions targeting networks involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This decision, made on June 9, 2026, responds to record illegal settlement expansion and rising violence by settlers, according to Al Jazeera.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the sanctions aim to hold accountable those responsible for intensifying colonization and violence in the region. Following the sanctions, the six nations warned of potential further actions if the Israeli government does not adequately address the situation on the ground. Barrot also mentioned that France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, three leaders of settler groups, and 21 settlers from entering the country due to their involvement in violence.
The Israeli government swiftly condemned the sanctions, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein calling them disgraceful and politically motivated. He argued that these measures attempt to impose a political stance regarding Jewish settlement rights in the region.
In the UK, the government urged citizens and businesses to avoid financial activities in Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that violent settler groups should not benefit from land seized from Palestinians and called for the Israeli government to take stronger action against settler violence and settlement expansion.
Amnesty International responded to the UK’s sanctions by stating they are insufficient. The organization urged the UK to impose measures against high-ranking Israeli officials to ensure meaningful accountability. Similarly, British charity Christian Aid criticized the lack of substantial consequences for businesses operating in illegal settlements, calling for a complete ban on trade and investment in these areas.
