The European Union has reportedly removed far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir from a proposed sanctions list targeting figures linked to settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

According to a report by Politico citing a senior EU official, the ministers’ names were removed during negotiations aimed at securing broader political backing among EU member states.

The move reportedly allowed the proposal to gain the support of 26 out of the bloc’s 27 members.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said foreign ministers were expected to make a political decision on sanctions targeting violent settlers during a meeting on Monday.

The reported removal of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir highlights growing divisions within Europe over how far the bloc is willing to confront the Israeli occupation government despite mounting international criticism of its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Sanctions target settler violence in occupied West Bank

The proposed EU sanctions are linked to escalating settler violence across the occupied West Bank, where attacks against Palestinians have intensified alongside continued settlement expansion.

While the initial proposal reportedly included Smotrich and Ben-Gvir due to their inflammatory rhetoric and support for settlement expansion, the final compromise excluded the two ministers.

The occupied West Bank remains a central flashpoint in the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation and colonization efforts.

Palestinians and international human rights organizations have long accused the occupation authorities of facilitating settler attacks and accelerating land confiscation policies aimed at consolidating control over Palestinian territory.

Pressure grows over extremist Israeli policies

Despite their reported removal from the EU sanctions proposal, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have faced growing international scrutiny over incitement against Palestinians.

In June 2025, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Norway, and New Zealand imposed sanctions on the two Israeli ministers over accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are among the most extreme figures in the Israeli government and have repeatedly advocated for aggressive settlement policies, collective punishment measures, and expanded military operations against Palestinians.

The EU’s apparent retreat from sanctioning the two ministers is likely to fuel criticism that European governments continue to shield senior Israeli officials despite publicly condemning settlement violence.

Source:Websites