In a significant move, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at Israeli settlers in the West Bank who have been accused of attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists in the occupied territory. The order imposes financial sanctions and visa bans against four individuals involved in acts of violence, threats, and attempts to destroy or seize Palestinian property.
The penalties included in the executive order are designed to prevent the four individuals from utilizing the U.S. financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging in transactions with them. U.S. officials are also evaluating whether to take action against others involved in similar attacks that have escalated during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to reports, Palestinian authorities have reported casualties among Palestinians, and rights groups have documented instances of settlers torching vehicles and assaulting small Bedouin communities, leading to evacuations.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This violence poses a grave threat to peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, Israel, and the Middle East region, and threatens the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.”
The executive order also underscores that the violence perpetrated by settlers undermines U.S. foreign policy objectives, including the viability of a two-state solution and the goal of ensuring both Israelis and Palestinians can enjoy equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom.
In response to the sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his objections, arguing that the majority of settlers are law-abiding citizens. He contended that Israel already takes action against those who break the law and sees no need for exceptional measures in this case.
The U.S. State Department identified the four settlers targeted by the executive order and outlined the accusations against them:
- David Chai Chasdai: Allegedly led a riot in Huwara in which a Palestinian civilian was killed.
- Einan Tanjil: Accused of assaulting Palestinian farmers and Israeli activists.
- Shalom Zicherman: Reportedly filmed assaulting Israeli activists in the West Bank.
- Yinon Levi: Regularly led a group of settlers from the Meitarim Farm outpost who assaulted Palestinian and Bedouin civilians and threatened them with further violence if they did not vacate their homes.
