Six Western Countries Impose Coordinated Sanctions Targeting Networks Financing and Facilitating Settler Violence in the West Bank

The six Western countries—France, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway—have imposed coordinated sanctions targeting networks involved in financing, facilitating, and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The measures were announced on June 9 amid a surge in settler attacks and the record expansion of illegal settlements across the occupied territory. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the countries are acting to “intensify colonization and violence” in the West Bank, emphasizing the need for accountability.

France has barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, three settler leaders, and 21 settlers from entering the country over violence in the West Bank. The six countries also warned that additional measures could follow if the Israeli regime fails to adequately address the situation on the ground. Britain simultaneously urged its citizens and businesses to avoid economic and financial activity in Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that violent settler groups should not profit from the land they have seized from Palestinians. She noted that while the Israeli regime has condemned some settler violence, “it rings hollow when there is scant accountability.” Cooper also called on Israel to halt settlement expansion, curb settler violence, prosecute those responsible, and remove restrictions that hinder the Palestinian economy.

Rights advocates have criticized the measures as insufficient. Kristyan Benedict of Amnesty International UK stated that targeting settler financing networks without holding ministers accountable is “not meaningful accountability.” He called for sanctions against Benjamin Netanyahu, Orit Strock, and Israel Katz, as well as Yoav Gallant. Benedict also urged Britain to ban all trade with settlements and halt cooperation and investment that enable unlawful occupation and apartheid.

Christian Aid echoed these concerns, stating that merely advising businesses against activity in illegal settlements is “pathetic” without real consequences. Jennifer Larbie, Christian Aid’s head of UK influencing, called for a complete ban on trade and investment with Israeli settlements before Palestine is “erased entirely.”

The situation underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability, as highlighted in Romans 12:18, which calls for seeking peace and pursuing good. As the international community continues to respond to settler violence, the call for repentance, justice, and mercy remains central to the Christian witness in the Holy Land.

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