France and UK plan bans on goods from West Bank settlements
France and the United Kingdom say they will restrict trade in goods produced by Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, but the scope and timing remain unresolved.
France and the United Kingdom have announced plans to ban goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, coordinating with Canada and other countries.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France would begin a process to end commerce with Israeli settlements. A French diplomatic source said the initiative had attracted commitments from as many as 12 countries, although the full list has not been confirmed.
The United Kingdom announced a national trade ban on settlement-produced goods, saying it would act in coordination with France and Canada. British Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the UK ambassador to be expelled in response.
France cited settlement expansion and increased violence by settlers against Palestinians, saying the developments were undermining prospects for a viable Palestinian state and a two-state solution. It described the measure as targeting settlement goods, rather than constituting a boycott of Israel.
The announcements come after efforts by some European Union states to secure an EU-wide decision failed to win a qualified majority, with Germany among those opposing it. The precise products covered, enforcement arrangements and implementation date have yet to be finalised.
