The Biden Administration is set to impose new sanctions on two illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank that have been used as a base for attacks by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians. This move, expected to be announced as early as Thursday, is part of a broader effort to target not just individuals but also entities that provide support for attacks on Palestinians.
The decision to impose sanctions on these illegal outposts and three Israeli settlers comes in the wake of escalating violence in the region. The US State Department has not yet commented on the specifics of the sanctions, but the move is seen as a clear message that the US is committed to holding those responsible for violence and human rights abuses to account.
This latest action follows previous sanctions imposed by the Biden administration in February on four Israeli men accused of involvement in settler violence in the West Bank. These measures signal a shift in US policy towards Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the administration also stating in February that Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is inconsistent with international law.
The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has long been a point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, which Palestinians view as part of their future state. The construction of Jewish settlements in this area is considered illegal by most countries, although Israel disputes this and points to historical and biblical ties to the land.
The recent surge in violence in the region has only added to the tensions. Israel has increased its military operations in the West Bank following the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza. According to United Nations records, at least 358 people in the Palestinian territory have been killed since October, with a significant number of them being children.
The situation in Gaza has been even more dire, with a death toll surpassing 31,000 since October. The conflict escalated when Hamas fighters launched attacks into Israel, resulting in a significant number of casualties on both sides.
The imposition of sanctions on illegal outposts and individuals involved in settler violence is just one part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the region. By targeting those who support attacks on Palestinians, the US is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate actions that undermine peace and stability.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these latest sanctions will impact the dynamics on the ground. However, they represent a significant step towards holding accountable those responsible for violence and human rights abuses in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.