European Union approves sanctions on Israeli settlers over violence in West Bank

The European Union has approved sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against three Israeli settlers and four organizations for their involvement in violent attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This marks the EU's third round of such measures in approximately two years. The decision was unblocked by Hungary, which previously vetoed similar actions under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, but now supports them under the leadership of Peter Magyar. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the sanctions, targeting individuals and entities deemed responsible for serious human rights abuses. Previous rounds of sanctions in April and July 2024 targeted other individuals and organizations, including those accused of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the sanctions as arbitrary and one-sided, a stance consistent with Israel's historical view that such measures penalize Israelis while overlooking Palestinian violence. The EU and Israel have long disagreed on settlement policy, with Brussels considering Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, a position Israel rejects.

(Source：Crypto Briefing)