USA: Entry restrictions for extremist settlers

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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1. The United States Department of State spokesman, Matthew Miller, remarked in Washington about the escalating conflicts in the West Bank, highlighting violence levels not seen since the Second Intifada.
2. The US government, in response to the escalating tensions, is imposing entry restrictions on individuals involved in activities that undermine peace, security, or stability in the West Bank.
3. This move is a response to the rising violence, including an unprecedented level of extremist settler violence targeting Palestinians and their property.
4. The US government has repeatedly condemned violence from both sides and has identified insufficient action by the Israeli government to stop these extremist settlers.
5. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US President Joe Biden have already voiced concerns over Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank.
6. Critics argue that the new entry restrictions may negatively impact the Palestinian Autonomy Authority, potentially impacting members with valid visas or under the visa waiver program.
7. Lifting entry restrictions or implementing targeted limitations to specific individuals could be a more strategic approach to address the root causes of the Middle East conflict and promote de-escalation among all parties involved.
8. Antony Blinken called for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestinians during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stressing the importance of Palestinian autonomy and direct negotiations to achieve lasting peace.
9. The AA news agency reported on US entry restrictions, citing Matthew Miller's statement about the need for the Israeli government to better protect Palestinians from extremist settler attacks while also calling on the Palestinian Authority to curb attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis.

Source: www.stern.de