Settlements

The letter noted that countries such as Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium have either already implemented bans or are in the process of doing so.

If the Europeans hope their sanctions will bend Israel’s will, they are deeply misreading the Israeli public. Such actions will be used in the upcoming election campaign to bolster the Right.

The settlement will be located east of Kibbutz Sa’ad in the Gaza Envelope and will fall under the jurisdiction of the Sdot Negev Regional Council.

Without major changes in Israeli policy, the arrest warrant against Smotrich could be Israel's darkest legal hour, with cascading consequences the likes of which cannot be foreseen.

The Cabinet-proposed sanctions would prohibit Dutch nationals and legal entities, both inside and outside the Netherlands, from importing, buying, or selling goods produced in settlements.

Ireland has been drafting the proposed legislation for the last year and has faced pressure from opposition politicians to include a ban on services as well as goods.

Prosecutors petitioned for Hasson to be detained until the conclusion of the legal proceedings against him. The court ordered that Hasson remain detained until further notice.

Europe remains Israel’s largest trading partner and one of its most important scientific and cultural partners. Alienating Europe carries tangible costs.

The lawsuit stemmed from a September 2024 incident at Half Hollow Hills High School West, which permitted seniors to decorate their campus parking spots.

Europe can criticize Israel, just as Israel can criticize Europe. But when that criticism crosses the line into moral distortion, it loses credibility.