US Imposes New Sanctions on Israeli Settlers Amid Rising Tensions in the West Bank
In a significant move to address escalating violence in the West Bank, the United States has imposed new sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers funded by the Israeli government. These measures, a clear demonstration of the US’s commitment to curbing the growing violence, come as Washington intensifies efforts to protect Palestinian communities from increasing settler violence.
Sanctions Target Extremist Group and Key Individual
The US Treasury has designated one organization and one individual as “specially designated nationals,” effectively blocking their assets and prohibiting US citizens and companies from engaging in transactions with them. The targeted organization is Hashomer Yosh, a group that provides security for illegal settler outposts in the West Bank, particularly in the volatile South Hebron Hills region. This area has seen increased settler violence against local Bedouin inhabitants.
The group has been instrumental in intimidating Palestinians to seize their land, often supported by volunteers who prevent displaced residents from returning to their homes. The US State Department, in a statement from spokesperson Matthew Miller, highlighted the role of Hashomer Yosh in the forced displacement of Palestinian residents from Khirbet Zanuta earlier this year.
The sanctioned individual, Yitzhak Levi Filant, is the security coordinator at the Yitzhar settlement near Nablus. Despite his official role, Filant has been accused of leading armed settlers in violent actions against Palestinians, including setting up roadblocks and conducting armed patrols to forcefully expel Palestinians from their lands.
Israeli Government’s Response
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reacted strongly to the sanctions. Netanyahu’s office issued a terse statement expressing severe displeasure with the US decision, emphasizing that the issue is under “pointed discussion” with Washington.
The sanctions pose a significant challenge to the Israeli government, disrupting its ability to continue funding Filant and supporting Hashomer Yosh without violating US sanctions. This move also disrupts direct financial support from right-wing supporters in the United States, significantly impacting the financial resources of the Israeli settlers.
US Frustration with Netanyahu’s Government
The new sanctions underscore the growing frustration within the Biden administration regarding Netanyahu’s government’s inability to control settler violence. This frustration is echoed within Israel, where Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency, recently warned Netanyahu and his ministers that unrestrained settler violence, particularly by the so-called “hilltop youth,” poses a severe national security threat. Bar emphasized that such actions could trigger a cycle of violence, further destabilizing the region.
Broader Implications
These sanctions, announced shortly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted raids against Palestinian militants in the West Bank, signal a significant escalation in US punitive measures. The choice of targets brings the US closer to critical figures in Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly those with close ties to extremist settlers, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
In a statement, the US State Department reiterated its commitment to holding accountable those who commit and support extremist violence in the West Bank, signaling that further actions may follow if the situation continues to deteriorate.