US Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers for West Bank Violence

The United States has imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers and affiliated groups for violent activities in the West Bank. The sanctions target three individuals and four illegal settlements. The US government expresses concern over extremist violence, urging Israel to take action.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 12-07-2024 09:09 IST | Created: 12-07-2024 09:09 IST
US Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers for West Bank Violence
Representative Image (Reuters). Image Credit: ANI
  • Country:
  • United States

The United States has imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers and affiliated groups, accusing them of violent activities or threatening civilians in the West Bank, Al Jazeera reported. The sanctions, announced by the US Department of State and Department of the Treasury on Thursday, target three individuals Isachar Manne, Reut Ben Haim, and Aviad Shlomo Sarid, as well as four illegal settlement outposts: Manne Farm, Meitarim Farm, Hamahoch Farm, and Neriya's Farm.

The US government claims these individuals and groups have seized property and engaged in actions that undermine regional security, according to Al Jazeera. Lehava, an umbrella group for Israeli settlers described as the 'largest violent extremist organization in Israel' with over 10,000 members, was also blacklisted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Thursday, 'The US is deeply concerned about extremist violence and instability in the West Bank, which undermines Israel's own security.' He urged the Israeli government to take immediate steps to hold these individuals and entities accountable, warning that the US would continue its accountability measures if such actions were not taken.

As a result of these sanctions, the targeted individuals and groups are barred from accessing any assets in the US, and American citizens are forbidden from doing business with them. In response, Lehava condemned the US decision and President Joe Biden, vowing to continue their activities unabated.

'Biden's measures won't deter us—we'll continue to act fearlessly to save Israel's daughters, much to the dismay of Biden and Israel's other enemies,' the group stated. The European Union had previously penalized Lehava by freezing their assets and adding them to a visa ban blacklist due to their violent attacks on Palestinians.

The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, has experienced a surge in violence over the past year, particularly following Israel's war on Gaza in October. According to Palestinian officials, at least 553 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers, and 9,510 have been detained during this period.

Approximately 3 million Palestinians live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while over 500,000 Israelis reside in more than 100 settlements across the territory. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)

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