Tajani: measures at European level are needed to target the settlers' sources of financing

To stem settler violence in the West Bank, it is necessary to implement interventions at a European level. «The expansion of settlements (in the West Bank, ed.) is unacceptable. No one can tolerate settler violence. No one can justify initiatives that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. The question is to say which tools to use to really influence these behaviors. We are convinced that, on matters of this type, the only effective legal and political framework is that of the European Union." These are the words of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who spoke on Wednesday 16 September in the Chamber for question time. The government therefore continues to discuss restrictive measures against goods produced in settlements with its European Union partners. «Only a united response at European level can in fact guarantee truly effective and coherent measures», underlined the leader of Forza Italia.

«To target the activities and sources of financing of violent settlers in a targeted and effective way - explained the head of the Farnesina - measures are needed at a European level. This is why we chose from the beginning to address the issue at a European level. National measures rest on weak legal bases, with the risk of producing limited effects and being easily circumvented. This is also why only seven EU countries have announced measures like those announced by the United Kingdom, France and Canada", Tajani then highlighted. «At the EU Council of Ministers we have already supported three packages of sanctions against violent settlers and the organizations that support their activities. We are among the promoters of a fourth package now under discussion, with a view to its rapid approval. And we continue to ask that Israeli Minister Ben Gvir be sanctioned for his completely unjustifiable behavior", said the deputy prime minister. In particular, according to Tajani «sanctions must be targeted against those who foment hatred and violence, without indiscriminately targeting Israeli civil society. The risk is to strengthen the extremists."

«We will continue to discuss with the Union's partners to identify further measures in the next meetings, including the issue of settlements and related economic activities, seeking the most effective solutions», continued Tajani. “Our goal is to end settler violence, stop the expansion of settlements, and preserve the only political prospect for lasting peace: two states that can live side by side in peace and security. It is towards this objective that we will continue to work, seriously and consistently, in Europe and with all partners in the region. This will also be the message that I will bring in all my meetings that I will have next week at the United Nations in New York and at the new meeting of the Global Alliance for the two-state solution, which is a direct sequel to the one I hosted on July 29 in Rome with Saudi Minister Faisal", concluded the minister.