France, Allies Prepare Coordinated Sanctions Over West Bank Settler Violence

France is working with several partner countries to increase pressure on Israel by advancing coordinated national sanctions against individuals accused of involvement in violence in the occupied West Bank. According to European diplomats, the proposed measures are expected to include asset freezes and travel bans, although the final lists of sanctioned individuals may vary by country.

The initiative reflects growing international concern over escalating Israeli settler violence and the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Many Western governments argue that settlement growth undermines the possibility of a future Palestinian state and further complicates efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement.

Diplomatic sources indicated that attempts to impose broader sanctions through the European Union have stalled because member states failed to reach unanimous agreement. As a result, several countries are now pursuing coordinated national actions instead. One diplomat noted that discussions have shifted from the EU level to individual governments, with announcements potentially expected in the coming days.

Britain and Norway are reportedly among the nations coordinating with France on the sanctions effort, though additional participating countries have not yet been publicly identified. Governments involved have largely refrained from discussing specific targets to avoid giving individuals time to move assets before any restrictions take effect.

The latest push follows criticism from several Western countries, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, which accused Israel in May of worsening tensions in the West Bank. Particular concern has focused on Israel’s proposed E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem, a plan critics say could divide the West Bank and weaken prospects for a viable Palestinian state.

The sanctions discussions come ahead of a June 12 meeting in Paris hosted by France. The gathering will bring together Israeli and Palestinian civil society representatives alongside foreign ministers from multiple countries. French officials hope the event will maintain international attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as regional crises involving Iran and Lebanon continue to dominate diplomatic discussions. The meeting also marks one year since the adoption of the UN-backed New York Declaration, which outlined a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood and encouraged several nations, including France, to recognize a Palestinian state.