Brussels, Belgium – Web Desk: The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as member states increase pressure over escalating violence against Palestinians and the continued expansion of settlements, which are regarded as illegal under international law.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, where officials reviewed possible measures targeting trade linked to Israeli settlements.
According to senior EU diplomats, the European Commission has drafted several policy options, including an import licensing system, export taxes, and trade restrictions on products originating from Israeli settlements.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said there was broad agreement among member states that the situation in the occupied West Bank had become “unbearable.”
She warned that continued settlement expansion was making the implementation of a two-state solution increasingly difficult.
Diplomatic sources said no formal decision was expected during the meeting, but discussions were aimed at assessing whether sufficient political support exists to move forward with potential measures.
Under EU procedures, any proposal to restrict trade with Israeli settlements would require the support of at least 15 member states, representing 65% of the bloc’s population.
Spain, Ireland and Belgium have called for stronger action against Israel over its settlement policy, while Germany and Italy have yet to announce their positions on possible sanctions.
