France Moves to Ban Goods From Israeli Settlements in West Bank

France will begin the process of banning imports of products made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot said on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as Paris raised concerns over increasing settler violence and the expansion of settlements.

Barrot said France would end trade in settlement goods in coordination with 11 other countries that have made similar commitments.

He said the decision was driven by growing instability in the West Bank, citing what he described as rapid settlement expansion, increased violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers and attacks that have also drawn condemnation from Israeli authorities.

“Why are we doing this? Because the West Bank is close to exploding,” Barrot said.

The French decision comes as several European Union countries push for collective action against Israeli settlements but have been unable to secure the qualified majority needed for an EU wide measure. Germany has been among the countries opposing such a move.

Britain announced a similar trade ban on Tuesday, coordinating its action with France and Canada. A French diplomatic source said several other countries were expected to join the initiative, potentially bringing the number involved to about a dozen.

France has yet to finalise the details of its proposed restrictions, including how and when the ban will take effect. The government stressed that the measure would target products originating from Israeli settlements rather than constitute a broader boycott of Israel.

French officials said the expansion of settlements was increasingly threatening the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state. They also pointed to Israel’s planned development of the E1 area as a major concern, describing it as a potential obstacle to a two state solution.

The diplomatic source also accused Israeli settlers of intensifying violence in the West Bank and warned that continued attacks could destabilise both the territory and the wider region.

France’s relations with Israel have deteriorated significantly in recent months, particularly after Paris took a leading role in efforts at the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state last September.

The latest measures reflect growing European frustration over settlement expansion and violence in the occupied West Bank as international pressure mounts for steps aimed at preserving the possibility of a two state settlement.