The UK government has officially sanctioned Daniella Weiss, a prominent figure in the Israeli settler movement and known as the "godmother" of this movement, in response to ongoing violence and intimidation faced by Palestinian communities. The announcement came from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who emphasized the UK's resolve to hold extremist settlers accountable. Weiss, 79, heads a radical settler organization named Nachala, which has also been included in the sanctions.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Daniella Weiss, 'Godmother' of Israeli Settler Movement
UK Imposes Sanctions on Daniella Weiss, 'Godmother' of Israeli Settler Movement
The UK government targets Daniella Weiss amid ongoing tensions in Israel-Palestine as part of a broader sanction strategy to address extremist actions against Palestinians.
Weiss has played a significant role in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories, specifically in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas seized during the 1967 Middle East war. Despite the international community, including a recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), deeming these settlements illegal under international law, Israel maintains a conflicting position regarding their legitimacy.
The sanctions list not only names Weiss but also includes two other settlers and multiple illegal outposts along with their affiliated organizations. Weiss notably gained attention in a documentary by Louis Theroux, where she voiced her controversial perspectives on the Gaza Strip. Following the sanctions, she expressed her readiness to propel settlement activities in Gaza, contradicting international calls to ease tensions in the region.
Additionally, the UK has chosen to pause free trade discussions with Israel, linking this with the Israeli government's recent policies. Lammy stressed that the stalls in trade negotiations reflect the UK's disapproval of the current Israeli administration's actions affecting Palestinians. Israel has expressed that such sanctions and economic pressures from the UK are unjustified and a consequence of political motivations.
The decision to impose sanctions aligns with a united statement from UK, French, and Canadian leaders urging Israel to stop military operations and facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza. While Israel plans to permit some food aid into Gaza, the extent of assistance remains critically low, with OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) officials warning that it falls far short of what is necessary.
The sanctions list not only names Weiss but also includes two other settlers and multiple illegal outposts along with their affiliated organizations. Weiss notably gained attention in a documentary by Louis Theroux, where she voiced her controversial perspectives on the Gaza Strip. Following the sanctions, she expressed her readiness to propel settlement activities in Gaza, contradicting international calls to ease tensions in the region.
Additionally, the UK has chosen to pause free trade discussions with Israel, linking this with the Israeli government's recent policies. Lammy stressed that the stalls in trade negotiations reflect the UK's disapproval of the current Israeli administration's actions affecting Palestinians. Israel has expressed that such sanctions and economic pressures from the UK are unjustified and a consequence of political motivations.
The decision to impose sanctions aligns with a united statement from UK, French, and Canadian leaders urging Israel to stop military operations and facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza. While Israel plans to permit some food aid into Gaza, the extent of assistance remains critically low, with OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) officials warning that it falls far short of what is necessary.
