US Imposes Sanctions on Hilltop Youth and Leaders Amid Escalating West Bank Violence

The US has imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, an extremist settler group in the West Bank, and two associated leaders. This move comes amid increasing violence against Palestinians following the Israel-Hamas war. The sanctions aim to address the group's involvement in violence and property destruction but may face enforcement challenges.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, a group of extremist settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, known for attacking Palestinians and their property.

Additionally, the State Department targeted Israeli settler Eitan Yardeni for his violence-related activities against West Bank civilians and Avichai Suissa, the leader of the sanctioned Hashomer Yosh group. This group recruits young volunteers for settler farms, which rights groups say are key in escalating settler violence.

The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and visa restrictions in response to a surge in violence against Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war began. The group Hilltop Youth is accused of killings, arson, and 'price tag' attacks. Despite the move, enforcement may be challenging due to the group's loosely organized structure and opposition from Israeli officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)