EU to maintain sanctions against Israeli settlers engaged in violence

The European Union has confirmed it will continue to enforce sanctions on radical Israeli settlers involved in violent actions against Palestinians, with measures applied on a case-by-case basis, subject to unanimous agreement within the EU Council.

Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar-El-Anouni, made the announcement during a briefing, emphasizing that the EU’s sanctions approach is contingent on consensus among member states, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

He firmly condemned the ongoing violence perpetrated by extremist settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

"The European Union strongly condemns the current violence by extremist settlers in the West Bank," El-Anouni said, responding to questions regarding the EU’s stance in light of US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions related to settler violence.

"The United States' policy on sanctions is its own prerogative," he added.

The EU, El-Anouni reiterated, holds Israel accountable for its obligation to protect civilians, ensuring that those responsible for attacks against Palestinians are held accountable. Under the EU’s human rights violation sanctions regime, such acts of aggression fall within the scope of restrictive measures.

Additionally, the EU is reviewing new proposals targeting cases of settler violence, which are under discussion in the European Council. The EU’s commitment to addressing human rights violations in the region remains steadfast, despite shifts in US policy.

By Vafa Guliyeva