Japan hits 4 Israeli settlers with sanctions over West Bank violence 

On Tuesday, Japan imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers Yinon Levi, Tzvi Bar-Yosef, Moshe Sharvit, and Neriya Ben-Pazi, marking the first time the country has sanctioned Israelis. This action comes in response to alleged increased violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.

According to Japanese Foreign Ministry, spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, the asset freezes are part of Japan’s effort to support international peace initiatives and align with actions by other nations. The sanctions reflect growing concerns about the escalation of violent acts by Israeli settlers.

The U.S., U.K., and Canada have already taken similar steps. Neriya Ben-Pazi, specifically, is targeted for actions including property seizures and violent attacks against Palestinian farmers.

* Arutz 7 contributed to this report