Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday urged European countries to adopt measures at the European Union level to address violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, according to Il Sole 24 Ore.
Speaking to the Chamber of Deputies, Tajani said EU action should specifically focus on the activities and financial sources supporting violent settlers.
He argued that individual national measures have limited legal strength and could be difficult to enforce effectively. He noted that only seven EU countries have so far announced measures similar to those introduced by the UK, France and Canada.
Tajani described the expansion of settlements as unacceptable and said violence by those living in occupied territory could not be justified. He also warned that actions undermining the possibility of a two-state solution should not be tolerated.
According to Tajani, the EU provides the most effective legal and political framework for developing coordinated measures. He said a unified European approach would make sanctions more consistent and effective.
Tajani said Italy had already supported three rounds of sanctions against Israeli settlers and organizations accused of supporting their activities. He added that Rome was also backing a fourth package currently being discussed.
Italy will continue consultations with other EU members at upcoming meetings to consider additional measures concerning settlements and related economic activities, he said.
Tajani said the goal was to stop settler violence, prevent further settlement expansion and maintain the possibility of two states existing alongside each other in peace and security.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also said Tuesday that the bloc was considering further sanctions amid continued settlement expansion, forced displacement and increased violence in the occupied West Bank.
Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967. Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the occupied territory illegal under international law, while Israel rejects that position.
According to the article, about 750,000 Israeli settlers live across 156 settlements and 360 outposts in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The article says settler attacks have contributed to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
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