The UK government has announced significant sanctions against Daniella Weiss, a far-right Israeli settler referred to as the "godmother" of the settler movement. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that this action underscores the UK’s commitment to holding radical settlers accountable amid increasing violence against Palestinian communities.
Daniella Weiss, aged 79, has played a vital role in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which were captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war. The sanctions sheet highlighted her involvement in acts of aggression and violence aimed at Palestinian individuals.
This action is also aimed at the Nachala organization she leads, alongside sanctions on two other settlers, Zohar Sabah and Harel David Libi, as well as two illegal settler outposts and the construction firm Libi Construction and Infrastructure LTD. An Israeli foreign ministry representative condemned the sanctions, labeling them as "unjustified."
Weiss has gained attention for her controversial statements promoting the rebuilding of settlements in Gaza and her belief that Arab residents would ultimately have to leave. In a past interview, she expressed her view that Gaza could be populated by Jews, stating that there are solutions for the current residents. In response to her sanctions, she claimed hundreds of families were ready to settle in Gaza once again.
The UK government has also paused free trade negotiations with Israel in light of the situation, stating that discussions cannot proceed with a government that supports violence in the region. The swiftness of this action follows a strong joint statement from UK, France and Canada calling for the Israeli government to cease military operations and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In reaction, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry attributed the sanctions to an anti-Israel bias and emphasized that it is the UK’s choice if it wishes to jeopardize its economy by imposing such measures.
While Israel has begun allowing a limited amount of food into Gaza, a UN aid chief labeled the amount as insufficient compared to the urgent humanitarian needs of the territory. This context amplifies the ongoing tensions as Jewish settlers continue their activities in the region, underlining the complicated relationship between settlers and Palestinian communities amid international scrutiny.
Daniella Weiss, aged 79, has played a vital role in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which were captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war. The sanctions sheet highlighted her involvement in acts of aggression and violence aimed at Palestinian individuals.
This action is also aimed at the Nachala organization she leads, alongside sanctions on two other settlers, Zohar Sabah and Harel David Libi, as well as two illegal settler outposts and the construction firm Libi Construction and Infrastructure LTD. An Israeli foreign ministry representative condemned the sanctions, labeling them as "unjustified."
Weiss has gained attention for her controversial statements promoting the rebuilding of settlements in Gaza and her belief that Arab residents would ultimately have to leave. In a past interview, she expressed her view that Gaza could be populated by Jews, stating that there are solutions for the current residents. In response to her sanctions, she claimed hundreds of families were ready to settle in Gaza once again.
The UK government has also paused free trade negotiations with Israel in light of the situation, stating that discussions cannot proceed with a government that supports violence in the region. The swiftness of this action follows a strong joint statement from UK, France and Canada calling for the Israeli government to cease military operations and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In reaction, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry attributed the sanctions to an anti-Israel bias and emphasized that it is the UK’s choice if it wishes to jeopardize its economy by imposing such measures.
While Israel has begun allowing a limited amount of food into Gaza, a UN aid chief labeled the amount as insufficient compared to the urgent humanitarian needs of the territory. This context amplifies the ongoing tensions as Jewish settlers continue their activities in the region, underlining the complicated relationship between settlers and Palestinian communities amid international scrutiny.
