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Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand has placed travel bans on three Israeli settlers accused of violence and illegal settlement activity in the West Bank.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the bans target Itamar Yehuda Levi, Harel David Libi and Eliav Libi, and follow similar action by partners including Australia and the European Union.
“These travel bans are targeted at three individuals who have actively worked to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence,” Peters said.
He said their actions threaten peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians and “drive the region further into crisis”.
Peters stressed the move was not aimed at the Israeli people or the Israeli government.
“Our travel bans are not about the Israeli people, nor the Israeli Government,” he said. “This action is against three individuals whose use of violence and displacement is destabilising the West Bank.”
New Zealand says Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories breach international law and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.
“Only a negotiated two-state solution will secure peace, safety, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Peters said.
The government says New Zealand has previously used targeted travel bans against individuals, politicians and military leaders accused of advocating violence or undermining democracy in countries including Israel, Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.
