Twelve countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, have announced sanctions against Israel’s settlements in the West Bank. These nations argue that the actions of the Israeli government undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution.
The countries expressed concern over what they describe as an unprecedented level of violence from settlements. They are calling for the Israeli government to halt the expansion of settlements and to ensure accountability for settlers who commit acts of violence. They also demand investigations into allegations against Israeli forces.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the government acknowledges the occurrence of ethnic cleansing in certain areas of the West Bank, attributed to “terrorist settlers.” Miliband emphasized that the Israeli government too often ignores these issues, asserting that the UK’s official position regards the occupation as illegal.
In response to the UK’s decision, Israel reacted strongly by announcing the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Israeli government barred entry to twelve British nationals, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the statements made by the UK and other sanctioning countries, claiming they only push further away the possibility of resolving the conflict.
Context
- On June 28, 1967, the Israeli government extended its jurisdiction and municipal boundaries to include East Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, known as Judea and Samaria.
- By 2016, the number of Jewish settlers in Palestinian territories reached 700,000.
- On February 7, 2017, the Israeli parliament legalized construction on Palestinian territories, contradicting a UN Security Council resolution stating that the establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank is a violation of international law.
