The EU has now published the names of Israelis and organizations sanctioned over settler violence in the West Bank. It concerns four men, a radical youth group and a right-wing radical group.
The men are accused of torture, humiliation or violation of property rights, among other things. The radical youth group Hillitop Youth is known for acts of violence against Palestinians and their villages in the West Bank.
According to the EU, the right-wing radical Jewish racist group Lehava uses violence and incites others to violence against people from Palestine, but also against followers of Christianity and Messianic Judaism. The members are said to have chanted ‘Death to the Arabs’ and called on people to take up arms during rallies.
Bullying of Arab-Jewish couples
They also allegedly harassed and attacked Arab-Jewish couples and protested against Jewish-Muslim weddings and homosexuals.
As reported, the EU member states decided on Friday morning to take punitive measures due to settler violence. Anyone affected will be banned from entering the European Union or doing business with its citizens. In addition, existing accounts in the EU and other assets will be frozen (see video above).
Obstacle to long-term peace
Attacks on Palestinians and settlement construction in the West Bank are seen as obstacles to long-term peace in the Middle East, especially after the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7. The EU has repeatedly condemned both but has not yet decided on any sanctions.
The US government had previously taken punitive measures against extremist Israeli settlers. This also announced new ones on Friday. This is said to impact two organizations that have already provided financial support to sanctioned extremist settlers. In addition, a close confidante of the radical Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was targeted by the US justice system. He is said to be the founder and leader of the right-wing radical Jewish group Lehava. The bans are the same as in the EU: freezing of assets in the United States, no contact with people in the United States.
One reason for the tense situation in the West Bank is that disputed settlements have expanded since Israel was captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. About half a million Israeli settlers now live in the area, among about three million Palestinians.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
