Palestine weekly wrap: World sanctions settlers, Israel funds settlements
Summary
Several Western countries, including France and the UK, have imposed sanctions on Israeli settler leaders and networks involved in the West Bank. Despite these actions and warnings from the UN, the Israeli government approved new settlements and military presence in areas meant to be under Palestinian control.Key Facts
- France banned Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and others from entering the country due to their support for West Bank annexation.
- France, the UK, Canada, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand sanctioned settler groups linked to violence.
- Amnesty International accused Israel of a state-sponsored campaign of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, which Israel denied.
- The UN Secretary-General warned of frequent settler attacks and displacement of Palestinians at levels not seen since 1967.
- Israel’s cabinet approved funding for 69 new settlements, bypassing usual planning rules.
- Since late 2022, Israel has legalized or approved 103 settlements, many in sensitive strategic areas.
- The Israeli military established a permanent base in Jenin, within an area meant to be fully under Palestinian control since the Oslo Accords.
- Settlers have expanded illegal outposts and sometimes clashed violently with Palestinian residents, with Israeli forces present during these events.
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