EU Envoy Warns of More Steps Against Israeli Settlements

The New York Times

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUG. 27, 2015, 6:33 A.M. E.D.T.

JERUSALEM — The European Union's outgoing envoy to the Palestinian territories says the 28-nation bloc is moving forward with measures against Jewish West Bank settlements.

The envoy, John Gatt-Rutter, did not provide a time frame. But his remarks to reporters Thursday underline European discontent with Israel's continued expansion of settlements in territory that Palestinians want for a future state.

Gatt-Rutter says "there is support within the union to go on." He says there are "more tools" the EU can use.

The EU, Israel's biggest trading partner, is exploring guidelines that would require Israel to label settlement products. It already bars goods produced in settlements from receiving customs exemptions given to Israeli goods.

Gatt-Rutter's remarks come as a grassroots movement promoting boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel is gaining steam.