Singapore has announced immediate financial sanctions and entry bans against four Israeli individuals, citing their involvement in "egregious acts of extremist violence" against Palestinians in the West Bank. This decisive move, confirmed by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Friday, targets Meir Mordechai Ettinger, Elisha Yered, Ben-Zion Gopstein, and Baruch Marzel.
Singapore's Stance on West Bank Violence
The MFA underscored that the actions of these individuals are "unlawful" and directly "undermine and jeopardise prospects for a two-state solution." Singapore has consistently maintained its position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, cautioning that their continued presence and expansion make a viable two-state solution increasingly difficult to achieve.
Upholding International Law
This latest action aligns with statements made by Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, in Parliament last September. He had indicated Singapore's intention to impose targeted sanctions on leaders of radical right-wing settler groups or organizations found responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that while sanctions might not unilaterally transform the situation on the ground, they serve a vital purpose as a "statement of principle and expression of disapproval." He clarified that Singapore views the imposition of sanctions as a significant declaration of its stance, even while acknowledging their historical limitations in delivering decisive impacts.
Call for Accountability
As a staunch advocate for international law and the two-state solution, Singapore firmly opposes any unilateral attempts to alter facts on the ground through actions deemed illegal under international law. The nation calls upon the Israeli government to actively restrain acts of settler violence and ensure that all perpetrators are held fully accountable. Through these targeted sanctions, Singapore reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region by upholding international legal norms and encouraging efforts towards a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
