France warns of new EU sanctions on Israeli settlers as tensions rise

RFI

12 November 2024 at 7:18 am·1-min read

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pictured during an interview with RFI/France 24, 12 November 2024

France's foreign minister has announced that the European Union may soon impose new sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of inciting violence in Palestinian territories. This follows Paris's warning that a recent incident in Jerusalem, where Israeli security forces entered a French-administered property, "must never happen again."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced the possibility of a new round of European Union sanctions against Israeli settlers accused of exacerbating violence in Palestinian territories.

This comes as far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was expected in the French capital this week, raising concerns over aggravating Franco-Israeli tensions.

Speaking exclusively to RFI and France 24, Barrot stated he had not received confirmation of Smotrich's attendance at the "Israel is Forever" gala – an event hosted by far-right figures – intended to support Israel.

A spokesman for the Israeli minister has since announced he will not be travelling to France.

Smotrich has made headlines of late with promises to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank by 2025, amid fears this will escalate the ongoing conflict.

Barrot told RFI: "We denounce the policy being promoted by this minister [Smotrich] in the Israeli government, which consists of continuing an activity that is illegal under international law – the settlement and aggressive colonisation of the West Bank”.

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