The European Union has imposed sanctions on five Israeli individuals and three entities, accusing them of committing “serious and systematic human rights abuses” against Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Among those sanctioned is Tzav 9, a group reportedly known for regularly obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries of food, water, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
The list also includes Ben-Zion Gopstein, the founder and leader of the Lehava organization, and Isaschar Manne, described by the EU as the founder of an unauthorized outpost in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The United States has also sanctioned these individuals and Tzav 9, with Washington stating last week that the group opposes Jewish assimilation with non-Jews and incites against Arabs under the guise of religion and national security.
There has been no immediate response from those sanctioned.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a supporter of settlements, criticized the sanctions, calling them an “inappropriate and unacceptable step between friends” and an undemocratic interference in Israeli democracy that undermines freedom of expression and protest among Israeli citizens.
“Imposing sanctions on Israeli citizens in settlements or among right-wing organizations is crossing a red line,” said Smotrich, who is seeking the cancellation of these sanctions.
The EU sanctions, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, include an asset freeze and a travel ban to EU countries.
With Monday’s additions, a total of 113 individuals and 31 entities from various countries have been sanctioned under this regime.