New Zealand imposes travel bans on three 'extremist Israeli settlers'

· RNZ
Foreign Minister Winston Peters.Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii

New Zealand has placed travel bans on three "extremist Israeli settlers", along with Australia and the European union.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the bans were not aimed at the Israeli government or people.

"These travel bans are targeted at three individuals who have actively worked to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence."

The actions of the individuals threatened peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, Peters said.

Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories were a violation of international law, he said.

"Expanding settlements, and the violence that accompanies it, undermines prospects for a two-state solution."

Only a negotiated two-state solution would secure peace, safety, and prosperity for the region, he said.

"New Zealand continues to call for a two-state solution, a position shared by the overwhelming majority of the international community."

The three individuals received bans from travelling to New Zealand were: Itamar Yehuda Levi, Harel David Libi, and Eliav Libi.

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