New Zealand will place travel bans on three extremist Israeli settlers, who have “actively worked to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence”.<\/p>\n
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the ban today on Itamar Yehuda Levi, Harel David Libi and Eliav Libi.<\/p>\n
New Zealand joined Australia and the European Union in making the move. Peters said the action is not against the Israeli people or government but against these three individuals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe actions of these individuals threaten peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians and drive the region further into crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peters says New Zealand’s stance is clear – Israeli settlements<\/a> in occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. <\/p>\n He said NZ will continue to call for a two-state solution, but the violence that comes with expanding settlements undermines the possibility of this.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly a negotiated two-state solution will secure peace, safety, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”<\/p>\n