Six Western Nations Announce Coordinated Sanctions over West Bank Violence

The United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Norway have agreed on coordinated sanctions related to acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Tuesday. The UK will impose sanctions on six entities and one individual accused of funding, facilitating, or committing the violence. France, Canada, and Norway announced new sanctions alongside the UK on Tuesday, while Australia and New Zealand announced coordinated measures last week, according to the statement. The UK’s latest sanctions target networks involved in providing funds, logistical support, and other resources for settler farms and outposts in the West Bank. The sanctioned parties include the Israel Agricultural Association, which the UK government says provides financial and organisational support to settler farms and outposts, and Ahavat Gilad, which allegedly channels donations to several of these outposts. The list also includes Ari Yshag, who is accused of fundraising for outposts linked to violence and intimidation, as well as Artzenu and Shivat Zion Lerigvey Admata. According to the UK government, the latter two are involved in financing and providing resources for settler farms and outposts. The six entities and one individual targeted by sanctions will be subject to asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualifications, the statement said. The UK government also announced that official guidance for their overseas business activities will, for the first time, explicitly advise businesses not to conduct economic and financial activities in illegal settlements. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the expansion of settlements and acts of violence are illegal and pose a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution as well as long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis. The UK also announced additional funding of £1 million for humanitarian mine action in Gaza, on top of £4 million already disbursed, and at least £10 million in financial and technical support for the Palestinian Authority in 2026.