International responses to Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank, notably regarding redrawing the ethnic composition of the territory, have been a slow burn affair.  Condemnation and admonitions have issued from various international bodies and civil society groups regarding the settlements of zealous Israeli nationalists.  The International Court of Justice, in its 2024 advisory opinion, clarified the point that the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem had “been established and are being maintained in violation of international law” and that “the State of Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible”.  Aside from tepid pronouncements at the government level, specific individuals associated with settlement expansion have been sanctioned in piecemeal fashion by Israel’s allies, a measure never likely to turn the violent tide.  But given that figures such as Mike Huckabee, US ambassador to Israel and an avid Christian Zionist, could be found condemning the actions of “settler terrorists” while demanding “severe consequences”, something was overdue.

The latest announcement by twelve countries, largely seen as friendly to Israel, suggests a change of current.  The joint statement by Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK confirmed “their intention to introduce national and/or support European restrictions on trade in goods with settlements which are illegal under international law, or that they are actively considering these and other measures, in accordance with their national procedures.”  The parties demanded that Israel immediately halt the expansion of the settlements and civilian administrative powers in the West Bank, hold those responsible for settler violence accountable and investigate allegations levelled at Israeli forces. “We firmly oppose actions tantamount to the annexation of Palestinian land and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.”

Of the twelve, three – the UK, France and Canada – issued a separate statement at the leadership level confirming that steps will be taken “to ban the importation of goods from settlements and enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate or profit from them.”  Having recognised the State of Palestine a year ago, it was time “to take further action to uphold our commitment to protect the two-state solution, our interests and to stand up for our values, before it is too late.”

READ: All of Israel’s plans and actions amount to Palestinian erasure

In his September 8 statement to the........

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