Overview

• Canada is considering imposing sanctions on 'extremist' settlers in the West Bank, following a U.S. action against four Israeli men accused of violence in the occupied territory.
• The move reflects growing international displeasure with the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid escalating violence in the region.
• Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, with settlements deemed illegal by most countries, a point Israel disputes citing historical ties.
• Violence in the West Bank has reached its highest levels in decades, particularly after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, leading to a sharp increase in confrontations.
• Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly indicates that sanctions could be coming 'in the coming weeks', working with the G7 on immigration measures and sanctions against the settlers.