US sanctions four settlers over West Bank violence
US President Joe Biden has issued an executive order targeting Israeli settlers in the West Bank who have attacked Palestinians in the area. Washington will impose financial sanctions and visa bans in an initial round against four individuals: David Chai Chasdai, Einan Tanjil, Shalom Zicherman and Yinon Levie, reports Israeli media outlet i24 News.
One of them initiated and led the attack in the northern West Bank village of Huwara last year. Another of the sanctioned individuals assaulted a Palestinian farmer as well as Israeli activists assisting him in the West Bank, another vandalised cars and intimidated Palestinians in the West Bank, while the fourth individual assaulted and threatened Palestinian Bedouin civilians.
The executive order authorises Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to sanction individuals who commit acts of "violence, threats, terrorism, seizure of property and intimidation".
This decision is an unusual move by the US against its most important ally in the Middle East at a time of war. Since the beginning of the conflict, Washington has supported Jerusalem, although there have also been some disagreements related to the Israeli military operation in Gaza.
Despite strong relations between the two countries, Biden has also spoken out against retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers and promised that those responsible for the violence will be held accountable. In late October, weeks after the brutal Hamas attack that left 1,200 dead, Biden said that violence by "extremist settlers" was tantamount to "pouring gasoline" on the fires already burning in the Middle East.
This executive order also coincides with new negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. According to Qatar, the main intermediary, Hamas has given "initial positive confirmation" to a proposal for a cessation of fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages. However, the terrorist group has denied this.
Doha is "optimistic" and "hopeful" that progress will be made in the coming weeks towards a new truce and the release of the more than 100 hostages still held in Gaza.
