Why the EU is now also sanctioning radical settlers in the West Bank

The EU is making good on its announcement and is imposing punitive measures against radical Jewish settlers. Most recently, a group in the West Bank attacked several Palestinian villages. Jan Christoph Kitzler to the backgrounds.

The USA, Great Britain and France had already imposed sanctions against radical Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank – the EU had so far only announced sanctions. She is now targeting four men and two organizations. The men are accused, among other things, of torture and violations of property rights. The two organizations stand for organized violence against Palestinians and for inciting it.

Incidents occur every day

Since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip, violence by radical settlers in the West Bank has intensified, according to human rights organizations. Such incidents occur there every day. Since then, well over 1,000 Palestinians have given up their apartments and houses.

Just last week, violent settlers attacked several Palestinian villages, setting houses on fire and destroying cars. Several people were killed or injured. Earlier, an Israeli boy from an illegal settlement outpost was killed by Palestinian terrorists, according to Israeli sources.

Israel’s government justifies violence

Around 750,000 Israeli settlers now live in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. International law prohibits the transfer of population into occupied territory, and the settlements are considered a major obstacle to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. By no means all settlers are willing to use violence – but there are significantly more than the four cases now sanctioned by the EU. Violence by Israeli settlers has recently been repeatedly justified by parts of Israel’s right-wing nationalist government.