Biden enacts sanctions against Israeli settlers in West Bank

The executive order issued by President Joe Biden on Thursday targets Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians and Israeli peace activists in the West Bank.

As reported by AP, the order imposes financial sanctions and visa bans against four individuals allegedly involved in acts of violence, threats, and property destruction against Palestinians.

The sanctions aim to restrict the individuals' access to the U.S. financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging with them. The move comes amidst escalating tensions during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Biden urging restraint from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

The order highlights the threat posed by settler violence to peace and stability in the region and aligns with Biden's support for a two-state solution and Palestinian sovereignty alongside Israel. Netanyahu has opposed such plans, emphasizing his commitment to Israel's security.

The State Department named the four settlers facing sanctions and outlined their alleged involvement in attacks. Biden has condemned retaliatory violence by Israeli settlers and emphasized the need for accountability.

The order grants the Treasury Department authority to impose financial sanctions on settlers engaged in violence, targeting extremist activities without aiming at U.S. citizens. U.S. lawmakers have called for action against American citizens involved in settler violence.

The timing of the order, just before a visit to Michigan, suggests efforts to address concerns within Arab and Muslim communities over Biden's Israel policy. White House officials plan to engage with community leaders on various issues, including the conflict.

The administration denies domestic pressure influenced the order, stating that officials have been working on potential responses to settler violence since November. The State Department previously announced travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.

[With information sourced from AP]