US Imposes Sanctions on Four Israeli Settlers Amid Escalating Tensions with Netanyahu
- Posted on February 2, 2024
- International Relations
- By Arijit Dutta
- 232 Views
The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers, accusing them of violence in the West Bank and signaling discontent with Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies. The move includes financial restrictions and visa bans to address settler violence against Palestinians. Tensions between the US and Israel escalate as the two-state solution is at odds.
The
Biden
administration has applied sanctions on four Israeli settlers, alleging
their involvement in violence in the West Bank and highlighting growing
dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies. The
US has been implementing visa bans on those engaged in West Bank violence,
particularly amid calls for increased settlements from Israel's right-wing
coalition.
President
Joe Biden issued an executive order, deeming the West Bank situation
intolerable due to extremist settler violence, forced displacement, and
property destruction. The sanctions involve financial and visa restrictions,
emphasizing the US commitment to peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
White House adviser Jake Sullivan stated that these actions aim to ensure
security and stability in the broader Middle East.
The sanctioned individuals identified by the US Department of State include David Chai Chasdai, accused of leading a riot involving property damage and assault; Einan Tanjil, involved in assaulting Palestinian farmers; Shalom Zicherman, accused of attacking Israeli activists and vehicles; and Yinon Levi, leading a group creating fear in the West Bank.
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Secretary
of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for Israel to halt violence against
West Bank civilians and pursue a two-state solution. While Israel has taken
action in some cases, the US doesn't rule out further measures, reflecting
concerns about settler violence against Palestinians.
In
response, Netanyahu's office deemed the US measures unnecessary, and Finance
Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it an 'anti-semitic lie.' The widening US-Israel
rift centers on Netanyahu's rejection of a two-state solution and continued
ground operations in Gaza, amid international calls for a ceasefire.
British
Foreign Secretary David Cameron suggested recognizing a Palestinian state
post-Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian
self-determination. Western countries support a two-state solution, but
Netanyahu's opposition remains a stumbling block to resolving the conflict.