Biden Announces Sanctions in Response to Israeli Settler Violence
President Joe Biden has sanctioned four Israeli settlers due to escalating violence toward Palestinians in the West Bank, which he described as reaching "intolerable levels."
This decision, unusual for the US, comes as conflicts with Hamas in Gaza persist and amidst criticisms of Biden's support for Israel from a significant Arab American community in Michigan.
The sanctions, resulting from an executive order, target the settlers' US assets and restrict American financial dealings with them.
Among those sanctioned is David Chai Chasdai, implicated in a riot in Huwara that killed a Palestinian, and Yinon Levi, accused of leading violent acts against Palestinian and Bedouin civilians from an unauthorized outpost.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Israel must intensify efforts to curb settler violence and ensure accountability. He also cautioned against actions challenging the vision of a Palestinian state, a concept opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Despite Israel's objection to the sanctions, Biden has maintained firm support for Israel's right of defense but expressed frustration over the civilian death toll in Gaza and Netanyahu's approach.
The human rights group Yesh Din reported 2023 as the "most violent" year for settler attacks, with at least 10 Palestinians killed and many homes destroyed.
The Biden administration continues advocating for a two-state solution, resuming longstanding US opposition to West Bank settlements after the Trump administration's more accepting stance.
This position reflects Biden's alignment with earlier US policy and addresses the concerns of Arab Americans, who played a role in his 2020 election victory and could be influential in Michigan during future elections.