Britain has imposed sanctions over settler violence
The United Kingdom, together with its international partners, has imposed sanctions on organizations and individuals suspected of supporting violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The restrictions target financial institutions, companies, and individual network members, whose assets will be frozen.
The UK government has announced a new sanctions package targeting networks and entities that, according to London and its international partners, finance and support the activities of Israeli settler groups involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank of the Jordan River, where tensions and conflicts have recently been on the rise.
As noted in the government statement, the sanctions are a response to the expansion of settlements and the increase in attacks, and their goal is to cut off the financial flows that have allowed such entities to operate without proper oversight. “This step is a response to the record expansion of settlements and the sharp rise in attacks on Palestinians,” the British government’s statement reads.
Six organizations and one individual have been targeted by the restrictions, including entities that, according to London, provided funding, logistics, and even the procurement of equipment for armed groups. Among them are the “Farmers’ Association,” Artzenu, and a number of other settler groups, as well as a construction and demolition company whose resources were allegedly used during the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure.
The owner of this company, Itamar Yehuda Levi, was listed separately and will also be subject to sanctions, including the freezing of accounts and a travel ban to countries that supported the decision.
London emphasized that this is an attempt to end the impunity of radical groups and simultaneously reaffirmed its position on a two-state solution to the conflict, which envisions a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. The statement also underscores that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for long-term peace in the region, creating new risks to stability.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also announced a new recommendation for British businesses—to refrain from any economic activity within the illegal settlements, while trade with Israel within internationally recognized borders will, as noted, remain in effect.
In addition to sanctions, the UK government also announced additional humanitarian support: funding for demining in the Gaza Strip and new funds to support the Palestinian Authority, which are to be used to stabilize the financial system and basic public services, particularly healthcare. This is stated in a British government statement released on Tuesday.
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