New Zealand sanctions settlers, France limits Israeli arms displays
New Zealand imposed travel bans on three Israeli settlers accused of using violence to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, while France barred the display of Israeli offensive weapons at the 2026 Eurosatory defense exhibition, in moves that increase international pressure on Israel.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the sanctions target individuals who have actively supported the expansion of illegal settlements, including through violence. The travel bans align Wellington with measures previously adopted by Australia and the European Union.
The announcement comes amid growing international concern over escalating settler violence in the West Bank. U.N. experts have warned that attacks, intimidation, property destruction and restrictions on access to land are increasingly threatening Palestinian communities and heightening the risk of forced displacement.
On Tuesday, Palestinian sources reported a series of settler attacks across the territory, including arson attacks on vehicles and agricultural land, racist graffiti on homes, and stone-throwing incidents that injured three Palestinian children.
France bars Israeli offensive weapons from Eurosatory 2026
In a separate development, France said Israeli exhibitors at the 2026 Eurosatory defense fair will only be permitted to display anti-ballistic and air-defense systems, effectively excluding offensive weapons from the event.
Charles Beaudouin, head of organizer COGES Events, said the restriction was imposed by the French government and would apply to any systems considered offensive, including rockets.
Israel's Defense Ministry condemned the decision, saying it would prevent the country from establishing a national pavilion at the exhibition and accusing Paris of political and commercial bias.
The measures reflect increasing international scrutiny of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and growing tensions between France and Israel over regional military operations, including Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
Source:DailySabah
