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On Thursday, President Joe Biden authorized a executive order giving the Treasury Department the ability to impose penalties on Israeli individuals involved in the unlawful settlement activities. These activities have been accused of inciting conflict between Palestinians and the Israeli administration.
In a statement to Congress regarding the imposition of fresh sanctions, President Biden stated that he has declared a state of emergency in order to address the danger posed by the situation in the West Bank. This includes addressing the significant levels of extremist settler violence, the forced displacement of individuals and communities, and the destruction of property.
“He stated that these actions pose a significant danger to the West Bank and Gaza, as well as to Israel and the wider Middle East region. They also undermine the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States.”
The executive order describes the “unacceptable levels” of extremist violence by settlers in the West Bank, which is hindering the possibility of a two-state solution and preventing equal levels of security, prosperity, and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The text also mentions that the violence in the area is detrimental to Israeli safety and has the potential to cause instability throughout the Middle East, posing a threat to the safety and interests of US personnel.
During a press briefing on Air Force One, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the directive was a result of a memo from National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to the president’s Cabinet in November. The memo instructed executive departments and agencies to address settler violence in the West Bank and develop policy options. This announcement follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s declaration of visa restrictions for individuals involved in the violence.
The president has been consistently vocal about his stance on settler violence in the West Bank, emphasizing that it is unacceptable. The government will continue to explore options to address this issue.
According to Mr Kirby, the US government currently has no intentions of imposing sanctions on Israeli government officials. He also informed journalists that the Israeli government was made aware of the decision prior to its announcement.
The directive permits the Treasury to focus on Israeli individuals who are suspected of collaborating (often with the support of Israeli soldiers or security personnel) in unlawfully coercing Palestinians out of their homes in the West Bank and other areas through violent means, threats, or other acts of intimidation as part of a large-scale land acquisition scheme. This movement has received backing from conservative proponents of Israel in the United States and other countries in previous years.
The Gaza Strip has seen ongoing violence since Israel’s military launched an invasion in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack by Hamas last fall. Over 20,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as the bombing and warfare have persisted throughout the entire Gaza region.
A senior White House official stated on Thursday that the [executive order] encompasses actions such as attacking Palestinians, intimidating civilians, using violence as a means of coercion for them to vacate their homes, setting fields on fire, and causing damage to property.
The president’s recent decision has been influenced by pressure from Arab-American leaders to request a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite this pressure, President Joe Biden and his team have refused, citing concerns that it may strengthen Hamas militants responsible for the October 7 attack. However, the administration is becoming increasingly aware of the growing discontent and frustration from the left, which resulted in activists canceling a planned meeting with Mr. Biden’s team in Dearborn, Michigan. This state is home to a significant population of Arab-Americans, and their support heavily contributed to the president’s win in the 2020 election.
Certain members of the Democratic party have expressed concern that the president is causing division and frustration within his own supporters during a crucial time when he will need to rally them for a second election against Donald Trump.
Source: independent.co.uk
