US Sanctions Israeli Settlers in West Bank

The US implemented new measures to address actions that ‘undermine peace, security, and stability’ in the West Bank

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order (EO) sanctioning several Israelis who have stoked violence in the West Bank since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. While this has been an issue historically, oppression against Palestinians has been at the forefront for several months as Israel indiscriminately bombs civilians with the unwavering support of the United States.

With President Biden facing mounting pressure and the majority of the country saying the US isn’t doing enough to end the conflict, questions doubting the legitimacy of the sanctions are already making waves. The EO provides an opportunity for Israelis to be removed from the list by seeking reconsideration from the US treasury which enforces such sanctions - an option not typically afforded to others who are often similarly sanctioned.

“The United States has taken action against persons connected to escalating violence against civilians in the West Bank,” reads a statement attributable to Department of State spokesperson Matt Miller. “The Department of State is imposing financial sanctions on four individuals pursuant to a new Executive Order that President Biden announced today to promote accountability for certain harmful activities that threaten the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank,” Miller’s statement continued.

“The Executive Order establishes U.S. authority to issue financial sanctions against those directing or participating in certain actions, including acts or threats of violence against civilians, intimidating civilians to cause them to leave their homes, destroying or seizing property, or engaging in terrorist activity in the West Bank.”

The individuals designated for coordinating violent actions against Palestinians are listed as follows: