Sanctions Approved After Months of Delay
The European Union's foreign ministers agreed on Monday to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The decision follows months of blockage due to the former Hungarian government's opposition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that "extremism and violence carry consequences."
Targets of the Sanctions
The sanctions target three settlers and four settler organizations. Israeli media reports that Daniella Weiss, already sanctioned by the UK and known as the "godmother" of the settler movement, is among those sanctioned. The organizations Nachala, Regavim, HaShomer Yosh, and Amana, which promote settlements or assist unauthorized outposts, are also reportedly included. Meir Deutsch, the CEO of Regavim, and Avichai Suissa, the CEO of HaShomer Yosh, are allegedly on the list as well.
Israeli Response to EU Action
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the sanctions as "arbitrary and political." Sa'ar stated that Israel "firmly rejects the decision to impose sanctions on Israeli citizens and organizations." He added that the EU's decision was made "without any basis" and rejected the comparison between Israeli citizens and Hamas.
Violence in the West Bank
The UN documented over 1,800 settler attacks in 2025 that resulted in casualties or damage to property, in around 280 communities across the West Bank. Recent incidents include allegations that Israeli settlers forced Palestinians to exhume a grave. The UN human rights office condemned this as "appalling."
Settler Actions on the Ground
Settlers were reported to be on the rampage throughout the past week. In Jalud, settlers allegedly used bulldozers to uproot hundreds of olive trees overnight. In Deir Istiya, settlers established a new outpost on land belonging to an Islamic religious endowment, extending a water pipeline from the nearby Revava settlement through Palestinian olive groves.
Real Estate Expo Sparks Protests in New York
A real estate expo advertising properties in the occupied Palestinian territories returned to New York City on Monday. The event took place at Young Israel of Midwood, a synagogue in Brooklyn. Pro-Palestine demonstrators marched through the neighborhood, met by pro-Israel counter-protesters. The NYPD blocked off the street in each direction from the synagogue, allowing protesters to congregate within sight of the building.
While the EU is moving forward on sanctioning settlers, there remains no consensus among member states on broader measures against Israel such as curbing trade ties.
