France, allies eye national measures on Israel Sanction

France is working with several countries to step up pressure on Israel by pressing ahead with coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals linked to violence in the West Bank.



The measures, which would include asset freezes and travel bans, have yet to be finalised and countries may adopt different lists of individuals.



The move comes amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and underscores anger in many Western countries toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has expanded settlements.



Diplomats say that expansion is aimed at undermining prospects for a Palestinian state.



The diplomats who have first hand information about the move said that with efforts blocked at the European Union to advance tougher measures against Israel, several countries had concluded that coordinated national sanctions were the best option for now.



Two of the diplomats said the announcement would be in the coming days.