France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country as part of coordinated sanctions with other nations over settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The move follows similar bans imposed by the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, targeting individuals and organizations linked to settler violence.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
France, along with the UK, Canada, Australia, and Norway, imposed sanctions on June 9, 2024, targeting networks involved in financing and enabling settler violence in the West Bank. The sanctions include travel bans on Smotrich and other Israeli officials, as well as restrictions on settler organizations. The measures aim to hold extremist settlers accountable for attacks on Palestinian civilians, which have surged since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Deeper Dive & Context
Rationale for Sanctions
The sanctions were justified by the countries involved as a response to escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank. France specifically cited Smotrich's support for annexation of the West Bank, creation of new settlements, and economic policies harmful to the Palestinian Authority. The UK and its allies emphasized the need to disrupt financial networks enabling settler attacks and to support a two-state solution.
Israeli Response
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions as "disgraceful," arguing that they were politically motivated and aimed at undermining Israel's right to settle in the West Bank. The ministry also criticized the lack of action against Palestinian incitement and the Palestinian Authority's "pay-for-slay" policy, which provides financial support to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed in connection with attacks on Israelis.
Settler Violence and Settlement Expansion
The UN documented 1,835 attacks by settlers against Palestinians in 2023, resulting in casualties or property damage. Settlement expansion has also risen sharply since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's return to power in 2022, with over 100 new settlements approved in the West Bank. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.
International Reactions
The sanctions reflect growing international pressure on Israel over its policies in the West Bank. The coordinated action underscores a shared commitment among Western nations to address settler violence and settlement expansion, which they view as obstacles to a two-state solution. The measures also highlight the broader diplomatic challenges facing Israel's right-wing government.