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Israeli experts warn settlement trade restrictions could cost Palestinian jobs, fuel emigration

November 3, 2026: from the World Israel News:

"European sanctions targeting Israeli businesses in Judea and Samaria risk worsening the economic conditions driving Palestinians to seek a future elsewhere, including in Europe itself, experts warned The Press Service of Israel.

"Sanctions, such as those recently spearheaded by Britain, may undermine businesses and fuel Palestinian emigration to Europe, they said.

"For Palestinians employed by Israeli businesses, the consequences of boycotts and sanctions can be immediate.

"Workers in Israeli industrial zones in Judea and Samaria often earn nearly twice as much as their counterparts working for Palestinian employers.

"Closing or relocating these businesses can deprive thousands of Palestinians of relatively well-paid jobs, pushing them into unemployment or forcing them to accept substantially lower wages.

"The economic pressures come amid a broader phenomenon of Palestinian emigration.

"Surveys have repeatedly found that significant numbers of Palestinians, particularly young people, would leave if given the opportunity.

"Economic hardship, insecurity, and pessimism about the future are among the principal reasons.

"The result is a growing contradiction: European governments that say they want to improve Palestinian living conditions may be supporting policies that make remaining in Palestinian communities increasingly difficult.

"Palestinian workers could face two distinct risks: reduced European orders could lead affected businesses in Judea and Samaria to cut jobs, potentially affecting some of the 17,600 Palestinians employed there, while any Israeli decision to revoke work permits in response to the restrictions could also affect Palestinians employed inside the Green Line."