France Urges EU Sanctions on Israeli Settler Violence in West Bank

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called on the European Union to impose new sanctions against individuals responsible for violence by extremist Israeli settlers in Judea and Samaria. Barrot stated that the "explosion of violence" and "acts of terror" threaten the two-state solution, Palestinian dignity, and the security of Israel and the region.

While acknowledging recent condemnations of settler violence by Israeli leadership, Barrot deemed the statements "welcome" but suggested they could have been "firmer" and must be accompanied by "resolute action" to halt settlement expansion and violence. "We will advocate for sanctions to be taken, new sanctions against those responsible for this violence," he announced.

Barrot also urged the EU to block products from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria from entering the bloc, noting that trade falls under European jurisdiction. He drew a parallel to EU measures following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, when imports from the territory were blocked, and called on the European Commission to adopt similar measures for products originating from Israeli settlements.