Financial Crime World

UK Slaps Financial Sanctions on Extremist Groups, Individuals Behind Settler Violence in Occupied Palestinian Territory

UK Takes Action Against Escalating Settler Violence

In an effort to curb escalating settler violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, the United Kingdom has announced new sanctions targeting extremist Israeli groups and individuals responsible for inciting and perpetrating human rights abuses.

Sanctions Target Extremist Groups and Individuals

The latest package of measures includes two organizations known to have supported, incited, and promoted violence against Palestinians, as well as four individuals directly linked to egregious violence against civilians. The sanctions follow an unprecedented surge in settler violence over the past year, with the UN recording at least 800 incidents since October.

Sanctioned Groups

  • Hilltop Youth: A hardline nationalist Israeli youth organization that establishes illegal settlements across the West Bank, aiming to expel all Palestinians from the occupied territories.
  • Lehava: An organization accused of facilitating, inciting, and promoting violence against Arab and Palestinian communities.

Sanctioned Individuals

  • Noam Federman: A radical settler activist who has trained groups to commit acts of violence against Palestinians.
  • Neria Ben Pazi: Responsible for constructing illegal settlements and supporting the displacement of Bedouin and Palestinian communities.
  • Eden Levi: Documented multiple times for participating in assaults and intimidation of Palestinians.
  • Elisha Yered: An unofficial spokesperson for Hilltop Youth known for making inflammatory statements inciting religious hatred and violence.

Consequences of Sanctions

Under the new measures, financial restrictions will be imposed on the entities and individuals, as well as travel restrictions on the individuals. This includes:

  • Asset freeze: Prohibits any UK citizen or business from dealing with funds or economic resources owned or controlled by designated individuals or entities.
  • Travel ban: Restricts entry to and stay in the UK for those on the list.

This is the second UK sanctions package targeting persons involved in settler violence in the West Bank, following a previous announcement in February 2024. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized that “extremist settlers are undermining security and stability and threatening prospects for peace.” He called on the Israeli authorities to take action against those responsible and warned that the UK will not hesitate to impose further sanctions if needed.