Starts in Judea and Samaria, reaches Tel Aviv: the European boycott crosses the Green Line

The European boycott of settlements is expanding and reaching Israel proper: the Netherlands bans imports of settlement products, the UK expands sanctions to banks and service providers, and Spain, France, Ireland, and others advance similar measures. Jerusalem warns that restrictions are no longer limited to Judea and Samaria but affect banks in Tel Aviv, Israeli companies, and Israeli travelers in Europe. The article reviews the emerging policy and notes that despite the escalation, there is still no full European consensus.

The European boycott of settlements in Judea and Samaria is expanding and approaching Israel proper, according to an article on Channel 14. On September 22, the Netherlands banned the import, purchase, and sale of settlement products, and the ban also applies to passengers' personal luggage. The UK, led by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, announced a planned import ban and an expansion of sanctions to banks, insurance companies, and service providers for settlement activity. Miliband stated in parliament that "the settlements are illegal" and that the ban will remain in effect as long as the occupation continues. Spain, France, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Portugal, and Iceland joined a joint declaration calling for advancing restrictions. The article emphasizes that the distinction between Judea and Samaria and Israel proper is blurring, as a bank in Tel Aviv, a company from the center, or an Israeli from Petah Tikva could be harmed due to an economic connection to activity beyond the Green Line. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar defined the British package as "anti-Israeli" and Miliband's words as "outrageous lies." In response, Israel closed the British consulate in Jerusalem. However, the article notes that there is still no full European consensus, and only 12 countries signed the latest declaration.