UK and allies sanction 'networks' enabling settler violence in West Bank

The United Kingdom, on February 12, 2024, imposed sanctions on four individuals and two entities accused of orchestrating and enabling settler violence in the West Bank. These measures, detailed in a UK government statement, aim to disrupt networks that have been involved in the intimidation and violence against Palestinian civilians. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for the designated individuals and entities. France announced on the same day that it would also deny entry to Israeli far-right Minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing his role in exacerbating tensions. Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the UK's sanctions as "disgraceful" and stated that the measures were based on false information, asserting that the government would not be deterred from its actions in the West Bank. The UK government stated that these sanctions are part of a broader effort to promote peace and security in the region and hold accountable those responsible for undermining stability.