Story perspectives

EU Ministers Approve Sanctions on Israeli Settlers, Hamas Leaders

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

After Hungary’s change of government, EU foreign ministers in Brussels on 11 May 2026 agreed to impose asset freezes and travel bans on Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders, pending approval.
The measures target three settlers and four settler organisations, naming Amana, Nachala, Regavim and HaShomer Yosh.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called sanctions arbitrary and political, while EU officials said they do not yet include broader measures banning settlement products.

History

Historical Context

The 1993 Oslo I Accord, signed in Washington, created the Palestinian Authority and set an interim plan for Israeli troop redeployment. During the Oslo period settlements doubled, rising from about 115,700 in 1993 to 203,000 by 2000. In May 2026 the European Union’s foreign ministers proposed asset freezes and travel bans on Israeli settler groups such as Amana, testing EU leverage over Israel’s settlement policy.

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Story summary

After Hungary’s change of government, EU foreign ministers in Brussels on 11 May 2026 agreed to impose asset freezes and travel bans on Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders, pending approval.
The measures target three settlers and four settler organisations, naming Amana, Nachala, Regavim and HaShomer Yosh.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called sanctions arbitrary and political, while EU officials said they do not yet include broader measures banning settlement products.

1 / 2