Sanctions on Israeli settlements: Here’s what Europe is saying and doing

European nations, including France, Spain, Ireland, Norway and Sweden, have condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank and are taking action against them. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband led the charge on Tuesday, announcing sanctions targeting goods, investments and services linked to the settlements. France followed suit, declaring that trade with the settlements threatens the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Spain, which had already banned imports from the settlements, stated that it would only implement sanctions as part of a joint EU effort. Norway and Ireland also confirmed their intention to introduce national and/or European restrictions on trade with the settlements. The moves come after the International Court of Justice ruled that the settlements are illegal under international law.

European countries, with the exception of Germany and Italy, have previously imposed sanctions following the ICJ ruling. Israel has responded to the sanctions by closing its consulate in East Jerusalem, expelling British representatives from an international Gaza support center, and banning 11 British MPs from entering Israel. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated in recent months, with Netanyahu accusing the UK of being an "Islamic Republic."