Canada to join European ban on Israeli settlement goods amid rising violence

Twelve countries, including Canada, used the statement to describe Israeli actions as “tantamount to the annexation of Palestinian land and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.”

The statement focuses on preserving the possibility of a two-state solution — a possibility it says has been undermined by the Israeli government.

“The situation is rapidly deteriorating amid unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion,” the statement reads.

It cited Israel’s recent “unacceptable decision” to seek public tenders for a settlement project called E1. Western countries argue the project would expand illegal settlements and hinder access routes between Palestinian territories that should eventually make up a state.

“The Government of Israel must immediately halt the expansion of settlements and civilian administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces,” reads the statement.

The statement was endorsed by Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the U.K. The statement also takes note of actions already taken by Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog says the move amounts to interference in his country’s ongoing national election.

“I believe it will prove to be a grave miscalculation, a decision that will fall on the wrong side of history,” he said in a Tuesday speech ahead of the announcement of the new measures.

“It will harm, unfortunately, Palestinians, robbing them of business and employment.”

The Palestinian Authority has said that Israeli economic policies — particularly the withholding of tax revenue collected on consumption and imports — are causing an unemployment crisis.

Since the October 2023 attacks by Hamas, Israel has cancelled thousands of permits for Palestinian workers, blocked roads used to export goods, and capped financial transfers.

Canada last month issued an advisory to businesses warning them of “legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with commercial activities linked to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories,” particularly the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Tuesday’s joint statement condemns the October 2023 attacks by Hamas and recognizes “Israel’s legitimate security interests” as well as growing antisemitism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canada to join European ban on Israeli settlement goods amid rising violence

What's Trending