Title: Germany Pushes for EU Entry Restrictions Against Israeli Extremists
In a move that echoes the United States, Germany is pushing for the European Union (EU) to impose entry restrictions on Israeli settlers involved in violent activities against Palestinians in the West Bank. The call comes as the US is taking action against Israeli extremists following a significant increase in violent attacks.
The German Foreign Office commended the US stance and measures, expressing the importance of advancing this discussion at the EU level. With the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers, Germany vowed to play an active role in driving this debate.
Recent escalations of violence in the West Bank have alarmed both the US and Germany. According to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, there's been an unprecedented level of violence by extremist Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians and their property. This has led to displacement of entire communities and violence by Palestinian militants against Israelis.
These new restrictions aim to target individuals undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank. The measures could also affect direct relatives of those involved in such activities. The US administration has consistently condemned the violence from both sides but criticized the insufficient action taken by the Israeli government to bring extremist settlers to justice.
The Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the Six-Day War in 1967 has contributed to ongoing tension. Around 600,000 Israelis live in over 200 settlements in these territories, which Palestinians claim as part of their future state. The UN Security Council has previously deemed these settlements as violations of international law.
While some EU states, including Germany, have expressed concerns over Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, the necessary unanimity among all EU member states for sanctions to be applied has not been achieved. However, several EU countries, such as France and Germany, have voiced support for sanctioning violent settlers.
In a letter to the European Council President, Belgium, Ireland, Malta, and Spain have proposed imposing travel bans and asset freezes against violent settlers, attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has confirmed the EU's plan to develop proposals for sanctioning Israeli settlers responsible for violence against Palestinians, aligning with the US initiative.
As the debate over entry restrictions for Israeli settlers escalates, it remains to be seen whether the EU will follow Germany and the US's lead in imposing sanctions. The process is still in the early stages of development, with unanimous EU support a deciding factor.
