France has warned its citizens against conducting business or investing in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights.
The notice by the French foreign ministry, published on the foreign ministry’s website, advises against investing, purchasing land, or engaging in economic activity in the these territories.
The document states that the international community does not recognize the settlements as part of Israel, which could lead to “land disputes or disagreements regarding water, quarries or other natural resources.”
“We call upon citizens or businesspeople who are considering becoming involved in economic activity in the settlements to seek appropriate legal advice before going ahead,” the statement adds.
“Due to the fact that the settlements are illegal in international law, the performance of financial activity in the settlements such as money transfers, investments, acquisition of property, provision of supplies or the performance of any other economic activities that benefit the settlements involves risks,” the statement reads in French.
It was published as part of recommendations for French people traveling to Israel.
A French diplomat said that the announcement is part of a coordinated effort by the European Union’s five largest countries — Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain — to curb economic cooperation with Israeli settlements.
Britain and Germany issued similar warnings several months ago.
Italy and Spain are expected to publish similar messages in the coming days, in the wake of failed Israeli-Palestinians talks and new settlement construction tenders, diplomatic sources said.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told The Times of Israel that the warning was nothing new.
“This is a well known EU position on this particular issue. Here we can see again the deep confusion of the EU policy on this as they appear to be warning their citizens of legal consequences without hinting at the slightest relevant legal reference,” he said.