France is preparing coordinated national sanctions with several countries to increase pressure on Israel amid rising violence in the occupied West Bank. Three European diplomats said that freezing assets and imposing travel bans on targeted individuals are among the options being considered.
According to diplomats, the plan is not yet finalized and countries may prepare different lists of individuals. Therefore, the exact shape of the measures and which names will be included remain uncertain.
National Options Gain Ground as EU Fails to Reach Consensus
Diplomats explained that because no agreement was reached on tougher measures against Israel at the European Union level, some countries have turned to coordinated national sanctions. One diplomat noted that there is no unanimity at the EU level, which has shifted discussions to the national stage.
Two diplomats indicated that an announcement could be made in the coming days. Another diplomat said France is coordinating with Britain and Norway, but it is still unclear which other countries will join.
The reason national sanctions are not publicly discussed is to prevent targeted individuals from moving their assets in advance. For this reason, capitals are conducting preparations quietly.
Tensions in the West Bank and the E1 Settlement Plan Take Center Stage
The initiative is driven by escalating violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the Netanyahu government's expansion of settlements. Diplomats argue this expansion aims to weaken the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.
One prominent issue is the E1 settlement project planned east of East Jerusalem, which would divide the West Bank and separate the area from East Jerusalem. Diplomatic assessments suggest this plan could fragment the territorial integrity demanded by Palestinians for an independent state.
A diplomatic source from France said some steps have already been taken in response to settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank, and new measures may follow.
Paris Prepares New Meeting to Keep Issue on the Agenda
France will host a meeting on June 12 in Paris, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups and about a dozen foreign ministers. The meeting coincides with the anniversary of the New York Declaration, adopted a year ago, which outlined a roadmap toward a Palestinian state.
French officials say they want to keep the issue on the international agenda at a time when wars in Iran and Lebanon have diverted attention from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Talks on Gaza’s future are reportedly deadlocked despite a fragile ceasefire.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar previously described some new EU sanctions as "arbitrary and political." On May 22, seven Western countries including France, Britain, Australia, and Canada accused the Israeli government of escalating tensions in the West Bank.
