Israel on Tuesday called sanctions imposed by several countries over violence by settlers in the West Bank “disgraceful” and accused foreign governments of attempting to dictate political outcomes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.In a statement posted by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the government said it “firmly rejects the disgraceful measures adopted by foreign governments against Israeli citizens, entities and a government minister.”The ministry argued the sanctions were aimed at imposing “a political stance regarding the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel” while being presented as efforts to curb violence.
The rebuke came after the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, and Norway announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and organizations linked to settler violence in the West Bank. The joint statement said the measures are intended to disrupt networks of finance that allegedly facilitate attacks against Palestinians and to support efforts toward a two-state solution.
“For too long, violent settlers have been able to act with near impunity, and settlement expansion and creation of outposts continue with the support and facilitation of the Government of Israel,” the statement said.
