The European Union sanctioned four Israeli settler groups and three individuals on May 28 for serious human rights violations in the occupied West Bank, including forced displacement and property demolitions against Palestinians [1, 2]. The entities targeted are the Nachala Settlement Movement, Regavim NGO, Hashomer Yosh NGO, and the Amana cooperative association linked to Gush Emunim [1, 2].
The sanctioned individuals are Daniella Weiss, director of Nachala; Meir Deutsch, director of Regavim; and Avichai Suissa, president of Hashomer Yosh [1, 2]. EU measures include asset freezes and travel bans on these individuals within the 27 member states [2].
The sanctions address violations such as demolition of Palestinian property, obstruction of access to Palestinian agricultural and grazing land, forced displacement of Palestinian communities, and support for violent settlement outposts [1, 2]. The European Council stated, "Through its activities, the movement [Nachala] encourages and facilitates coercive acts that lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians. Nachala's outposts obstruct access to Palestinian agricultural and grazing land and have been persistent sources of settler violence" [2].
Hashomer Yosh is linked to 28 violent outposts, while Amana is associated with 30 such outposts in the West Bank [1, 2]. Palestinian reports indicate approximately 540 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property in April 2026 alone [2].
The sanctions were adopted under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established in 2020 to target genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious abuses [1, 2]. The move adds to a total of 136 individuals and 41 entities now designated under the regime [1].
The sanction decision faced delays due to a veto by Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orban but was approved after the appointment of new Prime Minister Peter Magyar [1]. Earlier, on May 11, EU foreign ministers reached a political agreement to impose the sanctions [2].
The EU’s sanctions mark an official step targeting settler groups accused of perpetuating violence and displacement in the West Bank. The next scheduled review of measures under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime is expected later this year.
