Joint Sanctions Target Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

On June 10 2026, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Norway, and New Zealand announced a coordinated set of sanctions against Israeli settlers and settlement infrastructure in the West Bank. The move was described as a response to a surge in settler violence and unchecked expansion.

The sanctions focus on individuals, companies and networks that finance and facilitate activities deemed illegal under international law. France, for example, barred Far-Right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing his role in promoting annexation and settlement growth. Canada, the U.K. and other allies also announced freezes on assets and travel bans for key figures.

According to statements from the foreign ministers, the measures aim to disrupt the flow of money that supports attacks on Palestinian civilians. "For too long, violent settlers have acted with impunity," they remarked, noting that settlement construction and the creation of outposts have continued with the support of the Israeli government.

Reports from the United Nations recorded 1,835 settler attacks in 2025, resulting in casualties and property damage across nearly 280 communities. The sanctions are meant to curb this trend and signal that such violence will not be tolerated by the international community.

Israel’s officials rejected the sanctions as "political propaganda" and warned they could fuel anti-Israel sentiment. The government described the measures as disguised attempts to influence domestic policy and to delegitimize its right to settle in areas it claims.

The coordinated action follows similar sanctions from the European Union and other partners targeting Hamas leaders and Israeli settler groups. Together, these measures represent a broad international effort to address human rights violations in the occupied territories.