EU Backs Sanctions on Violent Israeli Settlers in the West Bank
Palestinians stand near a destroyed vehicle following an attack by Isrraeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, on April 6.
Photographer: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty ImagesThe European Union reached a political agreement to sanction violent settlers in the West Bank, marking the first time the bloc has been able to get unanimous backing for punitive measures against Israel since the height of the Gaza crisis.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, proposed the sanctions last year, but the measure was never able to receive the required unanimous support, particularly with objections made by Hungary. EU foreign ministers backed the sanctions at a meeting in Brussels Monday.