EU Proposes Sanctions Against Israeli Officials

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has proposed sanctions against Israeli officials he claims are enabling violence against Palestinians, particularly following a recent attack in the village of Jit by masked Israeli settlers that resulted in the death of a Palestinian. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the riots but framed them as attempts to combat terrorism rather than acknowledging them as acts of terrorism, promising that those responsible would be prosecuted. President Isaac Herzog also condemned the actions, emphasizing that they harm Israel's reputation and the broader settlement movement. Witnesses reported that over 100 settlers attacked Jit, setting fire to homes and vehicles while Israeli security forces allegedly protected the settlers and obstructed Palestinian emergency services. Meanwhile, the Israeli government is advancing plans for new settlements in the West Bank, a move criticized for exacerbating tensions amid ongoing violence and international condemnation of Israel's occupation. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reinforced the commitment to settlement expansion, disregarding international law regarding the occupation.