According to RT, on May 11, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas told reporters before the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels that EU member states are expected to reach a consensus on sanctions targeting violent settlers in the West Bank on the same day.

Kallas stated, "I expect all parties to reach a political agreement on sanctions against violent settlers, and I hope we can achieve consensus."

On May 11, 2026, EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels and reached a political agreement on sanctions targeting Israeli violent settlers in the West Bank. This marks a pivotal shift in the EU's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.

The immediate trigger for these sanctions was a sharp increase in violent incidents against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. According to United Nations data, over 40 Palestinians have been killed in 2026 alone, with thousands of attacks causing extensive casualties and property damage. Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Israeli authorities of failing to effectively curb such violence.

The breakthrough enabling this sanction to finally take effect came from Hungary’s change of position. Previously, former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was pro-Israel, had repeatedly used veto power, stalling the proposal for months. However, after the parliamentary elections, the new government led by Prime Minister Peter Márki-Zay no longer obstructed the initiative, paving the way for the sanctions package.

The EU's sanctions this time target three individuals and four organizations.

The legal measures primarily include freezing assets within the EU territory and prohibiting entry into EU member states. Notably, the final version of the plan removed the names of two ministers associated with far-right factions, in an effort to secure broader support among member states.

Israel strongly opposed the EU's sanctions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar harshly condemned the decision, calling it "arbitrary and politicized." Far-right Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir even accused the EU of being "anti-Semitic" and insisted that he would not halt settlement expansion as a result. Settler groups, meanwhile, hailed the move as a "medal of honor."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864925112350732/

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