Britain on Tuesday unveiled a new set of sanctions aimed at disrupting networks that the government says finance, support, and carry out settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Co-ordinated with Canada, France and Norway, the measures are intended to cut off financial channels that have “enabled extremist settler groups to operate with impunity” in the territory, according to a British government statement.
“Settler expansion and violence are unlawful and pose a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution, as well as to long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis,” Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper is expected to tell parliament later, according to excerpts released in advance.
The government said the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements continues to undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, noting record levels of settler violence “purposely aimed at destroying Palestinian homes and livelihoods in the West Bank.”
Britain also reiterated its call for the Israeli government to halt settlement expansion, curb settler violence, prosecute offenders, and remove restrictions hindering the Palestinian economy.
Officials warned that additional measures could follow if the situation does not improve.
Israel denies allegations that its forces shield settlers during attacks on Palestinians, insisting such incidents are isolated, violate military guidelines, and are subject to investigation.
The British sanctions come after a U.N. inquiry concluded that Israeli authorities were directly involved in settler attacks that have killed, injured, and displaced Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, while security forces provided protection to settlers.
Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office, the UK has paused free trade talks with Israel, suspended certain arms export licences, and imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli cabinet members, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Last year, Britain joined France, Canada and other allies in recognising a Palestinian state.
