'Facing Sanctions Against Israeli Settlers'

 

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US imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers Nora Fernstedt 

 

Updated 19.14 | Published 18.28  

 

The United States imposes sanctions against four Israeli settlers in the West Bank, AP reports. 

 

It is about people who participated in violence against Palestinian civilians. 

 

On site in Israel. The Palestinian village of Ein al-Hilar. Archive image. Photo: Urban Andersson  

 

US President Joe Biden has today issued a presidential order aimed at punishing Israeli settlers who have been violent against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.  

 

In a first step, sanctions are introduced against four people.  

 

According to the order, the four settlers have engaged in acts of violence, threats and attempts to destroy or seize Palestinian property.  

 

The sanctions block them from using US financial systems, and also prevent US citizens from doing business with them.  

 

The persons are also banned from entering the United States.  

 

Increased pressure on Biden  

 

Violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased since the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.  

 

Over 370 Palestinians in the West Bank are said to have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers since October 7. 

 

"This violence poses a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of the West Bank, Israel and the Middle East, and threatens the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.  

 

Pressure has increased on Biden, even within the Democrats, to be tougher in his criticism of Israel, reports Politico. The critics believe that Israel's attacks in Gaza are a disproportionate response to the Hamas attack on October 7.  

 

Today, approximately 500,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank. 

 

Joe Biden. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP