According to the recent order, those settlers engaged in acts of violence, threats, and attempts to damage or seize Palestinian property. The penalties are designed to restrict these individuals from using the U.S. financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging with them. U.S. officials are considering whether to impose sanctions on others involved in the intensified attacks during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The violence includes attacks on Palestinians leading to casualties, as well as incidents where settlers torched cars and targeted small Bedouin communities, resulting in evacuations.
The White House, represented by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, stated that such violence poses a serious threat to peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, Israel, and the broader Middle East, affecting U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
.@POTUS and @SecBlinken have been clear that extremist violence in the West Bank is unacceptable. Under the President's new Executive Order, the State Department is imposing financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals for their destabilizing acts. pic.twitter.com/rXNvknBKH5
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 1, 2024
President Biden issued an Executive Order imposing financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals involved in destabilizing acts. The order underscores the impact of settler violence on U.S. foreign policy objectives, including the viability of a two-state solution and the goal of ensuring equal security, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians.
Biden, while supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, has faced criticism for his administration’s strong backing amid increasing casualties. The President emphasizes the need for restraint in Israel’s military operations and renews calls for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel once the conflict ends. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes such a plan.
President Biden condemns retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers and vows accountability for those responsible. The order gives the Treasury Department authority to impose financial sanctions on violent settlers but does not target U.S. citizens.
U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about the involvement of Americans or dual citizens in settler violence, calling for action, including criminal charges and financial sanctions.
The new executive order, reported by Politico, was made known to the Israeli government in advance. It coincides with Biden’s visit to Michigan, where he faces criticism from Arab and Muslim leaders over his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The State Department previously announced travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
