German Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, French Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer have taken a clear stance against Israeli settlement policy in a joint statement. The European leaders demand that the Israeli government stop expanding settlements in the West Bank and consistently curb the increasing violence by radical settlers against Palestinians.
“The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including further entrenchment of Israeli control, undermine stability and the prospects for a two-state solution,” the joint statement reads. The criticism comes at a time of growing international tensions over Israeli occupation policy. A video of Israeli National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting activists delivering aid to the Gaza Strip has further fueled the debate.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands announced a ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had previously criticized Israel’s settlement plan in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. The European Union (EU) considers settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and an obstacle to the peace process.
EuroPulse reported on May 16, 2026, on Meloni’s defense of the Italian migration model at the Council of Europe: Council of Europe clarifies migrant rights: Meloni defends Italian model.
Source: www.politico.eu
