EU working on West Bank product label rules

European Union officials say the 28-nation bloc is preparing new guidelines that would require Israel to label products made in West Bank settlements if they are exported to Europe.

One of the officials says the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, told European foreign ministers last month that work is “underway” and that a set of guidelines will be “finalized in the near future.” The officials spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because they were discussing internal EU affairs.

While the work is expected to take several months, it is the latest sign of international discontent with Israeli construction of settlements on lands claimed by the Palestinians. It also comes at a time when a grassroots movement promoting boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel is gaining steam.

— AP