New Zealand joins partners in banning Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

Peters stressed the measures were directed at specific individuals rather than the Israeli government or people.

New Zealand has imposed travel bans on three Israelis accused of using violence to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, joining Australia and the European Union in a coordinated move against rising settler attacks.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the restrictions on Tuesday, saying they target individuals who “actively worked to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence.” The bans prevent the three from entering New Zealand.

Peters stressed the measures were directed at specific individuals rather than the Israeli government or people. He said the decision aligns Wellington with partners and reflects concern that settler violence is undermining prospects for peace and security.

The announcement comes amid growing international scrutiny of settler attacks. UN experts recently warned that violence against Palestinians in the occupied territory has reached alarming levels, creating what they described as a serious risk of forced displacement. They said repeated assaults, intimidation, destruction of property and restrictions on access to land are making it increasingly difficult for Palestinian communities to remain in their homes.

Experts noted that in some areas of the West Bank, settler violence has become systematic, posing what they called an “existential threat” to Palestinian communities. They urged the international community to take urgent action to protect civilians and uphold international law.

New Zealand first imposed travel bans on Israeli settlers in February 2024. Since then, it has aligned with a broader group of Western partners adopting measures against individuals linked to violence and illegal settlement expansion.