Middle East conflict - USA: Entry restrictions for extremist settlers
In response to the growing tensions in the West Bank, the US government is imposing entry restrictions aimed at extremist Israeli settlers, among others. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in Washington that violence in the West Bank had risen to levels not seen since the Second Intifada (2000 to 2008).
There had been an alarming increase in acts of violence. This includes "an unprecedented level of violence by extremist Israeli settlers" who have targeted Palestinians and their property and displaced entire communities, as well as violence by Palestinian militants against Israelis.
Criticism of the government
The new restrictions are aimed at people who are involved in "undermining peace, security or stability in the West Bank", according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry. Direct relatives could also be affected by the restrictions.
The US government has consistently denounced the violence from both sides and called on the Israeli government to do more to bring extremist settlers to justice. However, "insufficient action" has been seen, Miller said.
The US government is once again calling on the Israeli leadership to better protect Palestinians in the West Bank from extremist attacks. The Palestinian Authority must also do more to curb attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis, the State Department said.
"Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have a responsibility to ensure stability in the West Bank." US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken had already addressed clear words to Israel on settlement policy in the West Bank.
During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem, among other territories. Around 600,000 Israelis live there today in more than 200 settlements. The Palestinians claim the territories as part of their own state. In 2016, the UN Security Council described these settlements as a violation of international law and called on Israel to stop all settlement activities.
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Source: www.stern.de
