European Union reaffirms West Bank settlements are illegal under international law

The European Union has reiterated its position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace and a two-state solution. This follows proposals by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to potentially ban trade with these settlements, drawing comparisons to the EU's previous restrictions on goods from illegally annexed Crimea.

While the EU maintains this legal stance, member states show varying approaches to potential boycotts. France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have expressed intentions to boycott settlement products. The United Kingdom has expanded sanctions to target individuals involved in settler violence and settlement expansion, specifically aiming to deter companies from bidding on projects in contested areas like zone E1. In response to the UK's characterization of the occupation as illegal, Israel announced the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and the expulsion of diplomats.

Other European nations, including Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, have expressed a preference for collective EU-level action rather than unilateral national measures. Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has rejected the comparisons made by Kallas, stating they lack factual and legal basis, and asserting the historical connection of the Jewish people to the territory.