BRUSSELS/PARIS: Efforts by the European Union (EU) to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank have hit a roadblock, as Hungary and the Czech Republic have raised objections, diplomats familiar with the matter.
During discussions within an EU committee, Hungary and the Czech Republic, both staunch allies of Israel, voiced their opposition to advancing the proposal at this time, stated four diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Some diplomats suggested that a compromise could potentially be reached in the future, possibly after the implementation of additional EU sanctions targeting Hamas.
European officials have also expressed growing concerns about the escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The United States and Britain have echoed similar concerns, having already imposed sanctions on several settlers believed to be involved in violent acts.
In December, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced plans to propose similar sanctions. However, EU sanctions require unanimous approval from member states, highlighting broader divisions within the bloc regarding the Middle East situation. While some EU countries strongly support Israel, others lean towards the Palestinians.
The proposed sanctions under discussion would target approximately a dozen individuals or organizations, according to diplomats. Although the specifics of the sanctions have not been disclosed, they are expected to include travel bans to the EU.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that now is “definitely not the time” to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers, emphasizing the need to focus on assisting Israel in countering Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky clarified that his country was not blocking sanctions against settlers inciting violence. However, he expressed reluctance to tie these measures with actions against Hamas.
France, a proponent of settler sanctions, plans to introduce national travel bans on two or three individuals soon. French diplomatic sources hope that once these measures are enacted, other European partners will be more inclined to support further action.
“We will gauge reactions once our measures are in place,” stated a French diplomatic source.
