Singapore to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settler Leaders

Singapore has announced plans to impose sanctions on Israeli settler leaders and organizations accused of carrying out violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament on Monday that the measures will target leaders of far-right settler groups responsible for the attacks. He added that further details of the sanctions will be disclosed at a later stage, according to Bloomberg.

Balakrishnan stressed that Singapore’s support for a two-state solution requires opposing any Israeli actions that undermine or eliminate that prospect. He warned that if the situation continues to deteriorate, or if Israel takes further steps against a two-state solution, Singapore will reconsider its position on recognizing a Palestinian state.

The foreign minister also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, saying that they had gone too far.

The announcement comes just a day after Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia officially recognized the State of Palestine, joining a growing global consensus to back Palestinian statehood. This move has sparked criticism from former US President Donald Trump.

Balakrishnan reiterated that any future recognition of Palestine by Singapore would depend on the establishment of a government that acknowledges Israel’s right to exist and renounces terrorism.