Twelve Western Nations Back EU Curbs on Israeli Settlement Goods

Twelve Western nations have announced their readiness to support European restrictions on products originating from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, and are considering implementing additional national sanctions. The joint statement was signed by Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

These countries indicated they would either introduce their own restrictions or back measures at the European level through their national procedures. This declaration follows a speech by the British Foreign Secretary, who announced an expansion of sanctions against Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria.

The signatories also urged Israel to halt settlement expansion and the transfer of additional civil authority to them. Furthermore, they demanded measures to hold accountable those responsible for settler violence and to investigate accusations against Israeli soldiers.

Despite these actions, the countries emphasized their recognition of Israel's legitimate security interests, their opposition to antisemitism, and their continued commitment to a two-state solution for the conflict.