Daniella Weiss, known as the "godmother" of Israel's settler movement, faces UK sanctions that highlight the ongoing conflict between settlers and Palestinian communities.
UK Places Sanctions on Daniella Weiss, Controversial Figure in Settler Movement
UK Places Sanctions on Daniella Weiss, Controversial Figure in Settler Movement
UK Foreign Secretary announces a crackdown on extremist settlers amid rising tensions in Palestinian territories.
In a significant move, the UK government has imposed sanctions on Daniella Weiss, a far-right Israeli settler widely regarded as the "godmother" of the settler movement. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that this action reflects the UK’s commitment to holding extremist settlers accountable as Palestinian communities endure violence and intimidation.
At 79, Weiss is at the helm of Nachala, a radical settler organization also facing sanctions. Over decades, she has played a pivotal role in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories seized by Israel during the 1967 Middle East conflict. The sanctions dossier details her involvement in "threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals."
The Israeli foreign ministry has dismissed the sanctions as "unjustified and regrettable," arguing they exacerbate tensions in the region. Weiss recently gained attention through Louis Theroux's documentary "The Settlers," where she promoted her controversial views on resettling Gaza. In a past BBC interview, she controversially claimed, "Gaza Arabs will not stay in the Gaza Strip...the world will absorb the people of Gaza."
In response to the sanctions, Weiss asserted that numerous families are eager to commence settlement in Gaza. Nachala has called for "conquest, immigration, and settlement in Gaza," emphasizing its desire for Israel to continue its military efforts until what it terms the enemy is vanquished.
The UK sanctions extend beyond Weiss; they also target two additional settlers, Zohar Sabah and Harel David Libi, as well as two illegal outposts—Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm—and the organization Libi Construction and Infrastructure LTD. Lammy emphasized the Israeli government’s responsibility to halt these aggressive actions, warning that their inaction threatens both Palestinian communities and the viability of a two-state solution.
Moreover, the UK has announced an immediate pause on free trade negotiations with Israel, indicating that discussions cannot advance under the current Israeli government's policies in the West Bank and Gaza. In response, an Israeli foreign ministry representative remarked that if the UK is willing to damage its economy due to its "anti-Israel obsession," that is a matter for Britain.
This crackdown follows a joint statement from leaders of the UK, France, and Canada, urging the Israeli government to cease military operations and permit humanitarian aid into Gaza. Although Israel has pledged to allow limited food supplies into the region, United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher highlighted that this assistance is merely a "drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed."
At 79, Weiss is at the helm of Nachala, a radical settler organization also facing sanctions. Over decades, she has played a pivotal role in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories seized by Israel during the 1967 Middle East conflict. The sanctions dossier details her involvement in "threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals."
The Israeli foreign ministry has dismissed the sanctions as "unjustified and regrettable," arguing they exacerbate tensions in the region. Weiss recently gained attention through Louis Theroux's documentary "The Settlers," where she promoted her controversial views on resettling Gaza. In a past BBC interview, she controversially claimed, "Gaza Arabs will not stay in the Gaza Strip...the world will absorb the people of Gaza."
In response to the sanctions, Weiss asserted that numerous families are eager to commence settlement in Gaza. Nachala has called for "conquest, immigration, and settlement in Gaza," emphasizing its desire for Israel to continue its military efforts until what it terms the enemy is vanquished.
The UK sanctions extend beyond Weiss; they also target two additional settlers, Zohar Sabah and Harel David Libi, as well as two illegal outposts—Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm—and the organization Libi Construction and Infrastructure LTD. Lammy emphasized the Israeli government’s responsibility to halt these aggressive actions, warning that their inaction threatens both Palestinian communities and the viability of a two-state solution.
Moreover, the UK has announced an immediate pause on free trade negotiations with Israel, indicating that discussions cannot advance under the current Israeli government's policies in the West Bank and Gaza. In response, an Israeli foreign ministry representative remarked that if the UK is willing to damage its economy due to its "anti-Israel obsession," that is a matter for Britain.
This crackdown follows a joint statement from leaders of the UK, France, and Canada, urging the Israeli government to cease military operations and permit humanitarian aid into Gaza. Although Israel has pledged to allow limited food supplies into the region, United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher highlighted that this assistance is merely a "drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed."
