France is collaborating with several allied nations to exert increased pressure on Israel through coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals associated with violence in the West Bank, according to three European diplomats.
These potential measures, which could encompass asset freezes and travel bans, are still under development, and participating countries may compile distinct lists of targeted individuals. The initiative arises amid a significant escalation of violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and reflects growing discontent among many Western nations regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, particularly its settlement expansion policies, which diplomats argue undermine the viability of a Palestinian state.
Discussions have shifted to the national level after efforts to advance more stringent measures against Israel stalled within the European Union due to a lack of unanimous support. "There is no unanimity at the EU level, so we have moved to discussions at the national level," one diplomat stated. Announcements regarding these sanctions are expected in the coming days, with Britain and Norway reportedly among the countries coordinating with France, though the full roster of participants remains uncertain.
Many nations typically refrain from publicly discussing national sanctions to prevent potential targets from preemptively moving assets. This move follows prior criticisms, including a statement by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on May 11, who described EU sanctions imposed on Israeli citizens and entities as arbitrary and politically motivated. Earlier, on May 22, seven Western nations, including France, Britain, Australia, and Canada, accused the Israeli government of exacerbating tensions in the West Bank.
A central point of contention is Israel's proposed E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem, which critics contend would bisect the West Bank and sever its connection to East Jerusalem, thereby fragmenting territory essential for a future Palestinian state. A French diplomatic source indicated that measures have already been implemented in response to settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank, with the possibility of further actions, though details were withheld.
This push for national-level pressure on Israel comes shortly before France hosts a significant meeting on June 12 in Paris. The event will convene Israeli and Palestinian civil society representatives alongside approximately a dozen foreign ministers, serving to maintain international focus on the conflict amidst competing global crises. French officials aim to keep the issue on the international agenda as wars in Iran and Lebanon divert attention, while prospects for a Gaza ceasefire remain uncertain.
