Brussels, Feb. 23, 2026 (Lusa) - The Portuguese minister of foreign affairs on Monday said that European Union (EU) sanctions against Israel would be strengthened due to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, considering that it is necessary to send a "very clear signal" to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a meeting of EU ministers of foreign affairs in Brussels, Paulo Rangel stressed that the Portuguese Government has "systematically condemned what is happening in the West Bank", whether at the United Nations or through joint statements with other states.
"We view this with great concern and we will have to see how the [Foreign Affairs] Council will position itself, but obviously there are already sanctions, particularly against violent settlers, and I think that these sanctions deserve to be reinforced in view of the steps that are being taken," he said.
Asked whether Portugal would also be willing to approve EU sanctions against Israeli ministers, Rangel replied: "If so decided, we will be here to consider that matter."
"What I am saying is that we believe a very clear signal must be sent to the Israeli government that its plan for the West Bank is unacceptable, and this may involve strengthening various types of sanctions," he said.
Rangel reiterated that the Portuguese government views "with great, great concern what is happening in the West Bank," considering it an "impediment to the two-state solution," which Portugal has supported "for many decades" and for which it has taken "very significant steps," namely with the recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025.
"Therefore, I would obviously say that there is an opening to consider strengthening sanctions, particularly in the context of the settlements," he reiterated.
The European Union's ministers of foreign affairs are meeting today to decide whether to impose a new package of sanctions on Russia and whether to take measures against Israel due to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
The heads of diplomacy of the 27 European bloc will discuss the "rapid deterioration of the situation in the West Bank" at a time when the Israeli government intends to expand its presence in the region, European sources said.
According to the same sources, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is expected to "take the temperature" and see if member states are willing to impose sanctions on Israel.
This discussion comes after 85 UN member states, including Portugal, condemned Israel's unilateral measures to expand its presence in the West Bank last week.
TA/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
