French parliamentary committee approves proposal to ban settlement products

A French parliamentary committee has endorsed a legislative proposal to prohibit the import of goods produced in West Bank settlements, as well as financial services that support their ongoing operations. Introduced by Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and backed by over 100 deputies from eight political groups, the bill is scheduled for plenary debate on November 19. The initiative aims to align France's economic practices with its diplomatic stance against settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. While the proposal faces resistance from President Macron’s party and the National Rally, it mandates strict penalties for violators, including one-year prison sentences and fines reaching up to 5% of a company's annual global turnover.