LONDON: The British authorities on Friday placed sanctions on two Israeli extremist groups and four individuals for violence in the West Bank, its latest measures against Israeli settlers.
UK’s Foreign Office said Hilltop Youth and Lehava were the two groups known to have incited, supported and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
The office in a statement said the four individuals put under sanctions were responsible for human rights abuses against these communities.
Among them Elisha Yered, who has justified killing of Palestinians on religious grounds and Noam Federman, who trained settler groups in carrying out violence.
Violence in the West Bank was on the rise before Israel’s attack on Gaza on October 7.
It has intensified since, with more Israeli military raids, settler violence and Palestinian street assaults.
British foreign minister David Cameron said extremist settlers were undermining stability and security and stability and threatening the peace prospects.
He added the Israeli authorities must punish those responsible. He said the UK will not hesitate to take more action if needed, including tough sanctions.
Britain previously placed sanctions on four Israeli nationals in February.
