Singapore Plans Sanctions on Israeli Settler Leaders, Eyes Palestinian State Recognition

Singapore has announced plans to impose targeted sanctions on leaders of Israeli settler groups responsible for violence in the West Bank, condemning settlement expansion projects such as the E1 plan for undermining the prospects of a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized that Singapore opposes any attempts to create new facts on the ground that threaten peace efforts and stressed that recognition of a Palestinian state is inevitable but contingent on an effective Palestinian government that accepts Israel's right to exist and renounces terrorism. Singapore highlighted its support for a negotiated settlement resulting in two states, Israeli and Palestinian, living side by side in peace and dignity. While maintaining historically close diplomatic and military ties with Israel, Singapore has voted in favor of UN resolutions supporting Palestinian statehood and stated it will reconsider recognition if Israel continues actions that jeopardize the two-state solution. The city-state also plans to increase support for Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority's capacity-building in preparation for eventual statehood. Details on the sanctions are to be released later, reflecting Singapore's strategic balancing between diplomatic relations and support for Palestinian rights.