Twelve countries have backed plans to introduce or support European measures restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, adding to growing international pressure over settlement expansion and violence against Palestinians.
The countries are Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement confirming their intention to introduce national restrictions or support European measures against goods produced in settlements considered illegal under international law.
The statement also reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution, with the countries calling on Israel to halt settlement expansion, address settler violence and investigate allegations involving Israeli forces. They said Israeli actions in the West Bank were undermining prospects for a future Palestinian state.
The move follows separate announcements by the UK, France and Canada that they would take steps to restrict imports from Israeli settlements. Other signatories said they were considering similar measures through their respective national procedures, meaning the implementation and timing will vary between countries.
The development is significant because it represents a coordinated diplomatic response from Western governments at a time of growing concern over Israeli settlement activity. Britain has described the expansion of settlements as a threat to the two-state solution, while France cited what it called a “frenzied expansion” of settlements and increased violence.
The measures have also exposed divisions among Western countries. Germany and Italy were not among the 12 signatories, while the United States has indicated that it will not follow the UK, France and Canada in blocking imports from Israeli settlements.
Israel has rejected the criticism and responded to the UK-led measures with diplomatic retaliation, including announcing plans to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
The latest development comes against the background of decades of dispute over Israeli settlements, Palestinian statehood and the status of the West Bank. The issue remains central to international efforts to achieve a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.
