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Brussels • Israel has condemned the European Union's decision to specially label products made in West Bank settlements.

In a statement Wednesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the EU has taken an "exceptional and discriminatory step" for what the ministry called "political reasons."

It says the step was inspired by an international boycott movement against Israel and noted that it comes at a time when Israel is confronting a "wave of terrorism."

The ministry also says the step "raises questions" about EU's role in the region and could have implications on Israel's relations with Europe. It adds the measure also will harden Palestinian positions and make it more difficult to resume peace talks.