OMM Redaksiyası
The foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement.
The statement said the countries plan to impose national restrictions on goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, support European measures, or actively consider trade bans and other measures.
“The actions of the Israeli government in the West Bank undermine the possibility of a two-state solution,” the ministers said. They added that the measures would be implemented in accordance with each country’s national procedures.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, meanwhile, urged foreign governments to refrain from sanctions and boycotts. He described expected British restrictions on trade with the settlements as a “serious mistake.”
“Sanctions are not the solution. Dialogue is the solution. I say to all foreign governments: Stop! Move away from the dead end of sanctions and boycotts,” Herzog said.
Herzog said the measures would harm Palestinians whose jobs and businesses depend on the settlements. He described the step planned by the United Kingdom as “blatant interference” in elections to be held in Israel.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered contrary to international law by much of the international community. Israel rejects this position, citing its historical and religious ties to the area as well as security concerns.
International criticism of the expansion of settlements in the West Bank has intensified. Several European countries are considering economic measures specifically targeting the settlements, while distinguishing them from broader trade with Israel.
The move further increases diplomatic pressure on Israel amid the war in Gaza, the expansion of settlements and rising violence in the West Bank.
