EU’s foreign policy chief aims to punish Israel’s ‘enablers’ of West Bank settler violence

The European Union’s top diplomat is proposing sanctions against Israeli government officials he says are “enabling” violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The condemnation came Friday, with Josep Borrell, the EU’s minister for foreign affairs and security, calling attacks in the village of Jit a shot at Palestinian civilians.

Writing on X, Mr. Borrell said the Israeli government should “immediately” put an end to the violence. 

“Day after day, in almost total impunity, Israeli settlers fuel violence in the occupied West Bank, contributing to endangering any chance of peace,” Mr. Borrell said. “I confirm my intention to table a proposal for EU sanctions against violent settlers’ enablers, including some Israeli government members.”

Thursday night, dozens of Israeli civilians, including some wearing masks, hurled stones and Molotov cocktails in the Palestinian village. They are accused of setting fire to several buildings and vehicles in Jit. The Jerusalem Post said security forces responded and arrested one Israeli civilian. The Israel Defense Forces said they were examining reports that a Palestinian was killed during the riots.

“The IDF also added that a joint IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and police investigation had been opened into the incident,” The Jerusalem Post reported.

The proposed sanctions would need to be approved by the 27 members of the EU before they could be enacted. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said those responsible for any criminal act in Jit would be caught and prosecuted.

“I take seriously the riots that took place (Thursday) evening in the village of Jit, which included injury to life and property by Israelis who entered the village,” Mr. Netanyahu wrote on X. “Those who fight terrorism are the IDF and the security forces, and no one else.”