The UK government has officially imposed sanctions on Daniella Weiss, a prominent far-right Israeli settler known as the "godmother" of the settler movement, in a decisive action to counteract extremist actions in the Israeli-occupied territories. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the sanctions reflect the UK's commitment to holding those accountable who perpetrate violence and intimidation against Palestinian communities.
At 79, Weiss leads a radical settler organization called Nachala—translating to "homeland"—and has played a significant role in establishing Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the Israeli takeover in 1967. The settlements, which most of the international community regards as illegal under international law, have faced strong criticism, particularly following an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year.
The UK's sanctions against Weiss describe her as involved in supporting and advocating "acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals." The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the sanctions, labeling them as "unjustified" and noted that additional sanctions also targeted two other settlers, various illegal outposts, and relevant organizations.
Weiss has increasingly garnered attention for her controversial statements advocating for the rebuilding of settlements in Gaza. In a recent interview, she expressed a belief that the Arab population in Gaza would ultimately be displaced, suggesting "the world will absorb" them into other regions. She received media attention through her inclusion in Louis Theroux's documentary "The Settlers," which highlighted her radical views.
In conjunction with the sanctions on Weiss and other settlers, the UK government has paused free trade negotiations with Israel, citing the need for Israel's government to halt aggressive actions against Palestinian communities. Lammy further emphasized the necessity for the Israeli government to intervene and ensure that the two-state solution remains viable.
This decision follows a joint statement issued by the UK, France, and Canada, urging Israel to cease military operations in Gaza and grant humanitarian aid access to the area. Despite Israel's recent announcement of allowing a limited amount of aid into Gaza, critics, including UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, have voiced concerns that this assistance falls significantly short of meeting the urgent needs of the affected population.
At 79, Weiss leads a radical settler organization called Nachala—translating to "homeland"—and has played a significant role in establishing Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the Israeli takeover in 1967. The settlements, which most of the international community regards as illegal under international law, have faced strong criticism, particularly following an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year.
The UK's sanctions against Weiss describe her as involved in supporting and advocating "acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals." The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the sanctions, labeling them as "unjustified" and noted that additional sanctions also targeted two other settlers, various illegal outposts, and relevant organizations.
Weiss has increasingly garnered attention for her controversial statements advocating for the rebuilding of settlements in Gaza. In a recent interview, she expressed a belief that the Arab population in Gaza would ultimately be displaced, suggesting "the world will absorb" them into other regions. She received media attention through her inclusion in Louis Theroux's documentary "The Settlers," which highlighted her radical views.
In conjunction with the sanctions on Weiss and other settlers, the UK government has paused free trade negotiations with Israel, citing the need for Israel's government to halt aggressive actions against Palestinian communities. Lammy further emphasized the necessity for the Israeli government to intervene and ensure that the two-state solution remains viable.
This decision follows a joint statement issued by the UK, France, and Canada, urging Israel to cease military operations in Gaza and grant humanitarian aid access to the area. Despite Israel's recent announcement of allowing a limited amount of aid into Gaza, critics, including UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, have voiced concerns that this assistance falls significantly short of meeting the urgent needs of the affected population.
