The U.S. enacts fresh penalties against Israeli colonizers in the West Bank region
The United States has imposed additional restrictions on settlers in the Western Bank, pushing Israel to take action against what they call "extremists." Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that the violence caused by these radical settlers negatively impacts human lives, puts Israel's security at risk, and hinders the possibility of peaceful coexistence and stability in the region.
The restrictions impact Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli non-governmental organization, which, according to its website, assists numerous farmers in Judea and Samaria, helping them protect their lands with bravery. However, the U.S. accuses Hashomer Yosh of supporting an unauthorized settlement near Hebron in the southern Western Bank. It was reported that this group's members, who are now under sanctions, obstructed a village this year, forcing its 250 Palestinian residents to leave.
The U.S. also imposes sanctions on a man believed to be leading roadblocks and patrols with the purpose of attacking Palestinians. Matthew Miller further emphasized the importance of holding accountable everyone involved in violence against civilians in the Western Bank.
American sanctions typically prohibit the individuals from utilizing the U.S. financial system, prompting Israeli banks to minimize their commercial relations with the sanctioned to avoid experiencing sanctions themselves. However, the U.S. government has not yet targeted Israeli ministers who advocate for the settlement of the Western Bank.
The situation in the Western Bank has worsened since the commencement of the conflict between Israel and the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 1967. As of Wednesday, the Israeli army conducted a substantial operation in the Western Bank, aiming to dismantle the Iranian-Islamic terrorist network established there, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
Based on AFP's count, which relies on Palestinian reports, at least 650 Palestinians have been killed in the Western Bank since the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7. The death toll includes Palestinians killed by Israeli army operations or by actions of radical settlers. At least 19 Israelis have been killed by militant Palestinian attacks, according to Israeli sources.
The United States' actions against Hashomer Yosh and other radical settlers in the Western Bank have sparked intense discussions within the Israeli government. The United States of America's stance against unauthorized settlements in the region could potentially influence other countries' policies towards Israel.
