EU countries push for labeling of Israeli settlement goods

More than a dozen European governments on Thursday called for the labeling of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Diplomats from 16 countries, including some of Israel's closest allies, signed a letter calling on EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to start the process. Signatories include the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

Israel's Haaretz daily published the letter Thursday. A European diplomat confirmed the authenticity of the letter. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing internal EU affairs.

All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since the Six Day War in 1967 are illegal under international law. Their existence and continued growth continue to serve as an obstacle to peace with Palestinians.

The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner.

This week Israel's Supreme Court rejected a petition by Arab and pro-Palestinian groups to overturn a law prohibiting boycotts against Israel and its settlements.

Al Jazeera and The Associated Press