Biden imposes sanctions on four Israeli settlers over West Bank violence
The action marks the first financial sanctions against settlers although the Biden administration earlier announced that it would refuse visas for extremists involved in violence.
US President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers over West Bank violence marking the most significant action he has taken against Israelis since their country launched a war in Gaza.
As reported, on Thursday, President Biden signed an executive order that imposes sanctions on four West Bank settlers who the administration says have committed violence against Palestinians.
The White House announced the sanctions just hours before Mr. Biden held a campaign event in Michigan.
As reported, Michigan is regarded as a critical battleground state that has a large Arab American population and has been the site of numerous protests over the war in Gaza.
The executive order is likely to serve as both a sharp-edged diplomatic notice to Israel and a message to Arab Americans, which is a key part of the political coalition the president needs to be re-elected.
The executive order mirrors sanctions imposed on individuals designated as terrorists, two senior administration officials told reporters on Thursday.
It will block the settlers from accessing any property or assets held in the United States and prevent them from receiving any funds, goods or services that pass through the American financial system.
The settlers also will not be allowed to send money to the United States or have anyone act on their behalf, the officials added.
The four settlers include David Chai Chasdai, Yinon Levi, Einan Tanjil, and Shalom Zicherman.
“Israel must do more to stop violence against civilians in the West Bank and hold accountable those responsible for it,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has repeatedly raised settler violence with Israel and leaves shortly on a new trip to the region.
Blinken also warned against actions that jeopardize the eventual creation of a Palestinian state.
However, the idea of a Palestinian state is strongly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government which includes settler advocates.
Israel has criticized the sanctions by its close ally, saying the “overwhelming majority” of its citizens in the West Bank were law-abiding.
“Israel acts against all Israelis who break the law, everywhere; therefore, exceptional measures are unnecessary,” said a statement by Netanyahu’s office.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that Israel had prosecuted three of the four settlers but that more action was needed.
“We will not hesitate to take additional actions as necessary,” he added.
What led to the sanctions on four Israeli settlers?
The State Department said four settlers David Chai Chasdai, Yinon Levi, Einan Tanjil, and Shalom Zicherman sanctioned, are responsible for unacceptable acts of violence in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory that, unlike Gaza, is home to numerous controversial — and in many cases illegal — Israeli settlements.
David Chai Chasdai, according to the State Department, led a riot that included setting cars and buildings on fire, assaulting Palestinian civilians and causing property damage that led to the death of a Palestinian civilian.
The State Department said Einan Tanjil attacked Palestinian farmers and Israeli peace activists with stones and clubs, resulting in injuries that required medical treatment.
Shalom Zicherman assaulted Israeli activists in the West Bank and attempted to break the windows of passing cars with activists inside. Zicherman also cornered at least two activists and injured them both, according to State.
Yinon Levi led a group of settlers who created “an atmosphere of fear in the West Bank,” the State Department said.
By threatening Palestinian and Bedouin civilians with violence if they did not leave their homes. Levi also burned their fields and destroyed their property.
