SANCTIONS

Biden Announces Executive Order Slamming Violent West Bank Settlers

Settler violence in the West Bank has surged as Israel prosecutes its deadly military campaign in Gaza.

President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday to discipline Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians in the West Bank. The order placed new financial sanctions on four Israelis who have contributed to a surge of violent attacks in the West Bank since Israel began prosecuting its violent military campaign. One of the individuals implicated in the order started a violent riot, which destroyed homes and vehicles, and led to the death of one Palestinian civilian. The others named in the order assaulted civilians and created an “atmosphere of fear in the West Bank.” The assets belonging to these individuals which are held in American institutions will be frozen and blocked. In December, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced restrictions on U.S. visas for extremist Israeli settlers. On Thursday, Biden traveled to Michigan, where he has faced severe backlash from Arab and Muslim leaders for his unwavering support of Israel.