The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on 5 Israeli citizens and 3 organizations for the persecution of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and serious and systematic human rights violations in these two areas.
In a statement on Monday, the European Commission confirmed this information. The commission did not release the names of the 5 Israeli nationals covered by the sanctions, but two of the 3 companies said the 5 Israeli nationals were sanctioned, two of them chief executives of the two companies.
These organizations are Tzav 9, Lehava Organization and another organization. And the two men whose names are known are Ben-Zion Gopstein and Issachar Manne. Isscher Manne is the chief executive of a local newspaper.
The EU statement said the individuals and entities covered by the sanctions have been inciting riots and violence in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza on October 9, 2023. In addition, these individuals and organizations are accused of regularly blocking the entry of food, water and fuel into Gaza.
The five individuals and three organizations that have been banned, and their employees, will not be able to travel to any European country until the order is lifted. In addition, if they have assets in any European country, they will also be confiscated.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the EU to lift the sanctions, saying in a statement, “Such sanctions are unacceptable and a major obstacle to mutual friendship.” Taking action against right-wing individuals and organizations in Israel and crossing the red line of Israel-EU friendship is the same thing.”