US Imposes Sanctions on Four Israeli Settlers Amid Escalating Tensions with Netanyahu

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.

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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.