Netherlands Considering Sanctions on Israeli Settlers

The Dutch Broadcasting Corporation reported that "the government is considering imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers who use violence against Palestinians in the West Bank." The agency noted that "EU foreign ministers attempted to reach a unified stance on the issue of sanctions against Israeli settlers during their meeting in Brussels, but they were unsuccessful." For her part, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot stated: "It is very important for the Palestinian national authority that the West Bank remains a relatively stable area." These sanctions are expected to include a ban on Israeli settlers entering the Netherlands; however, the impact of these restrictions will be limited if other Schengen countries do not join in.