WASHINGTON – The US government announced sanctions against two people on Thursday Israeli outposts in the West BankIt marks the escalation of the Biden administration previous tairritation of private settlers.
The sanctions target Zvis Farm and Moshes Farm, which the State Department says are used as bases to perpetuate “violence against Palestinians.” Three Israeli settlers – Zvi Bar Yosef, Moshe Sharvit and Neria Ben Pazi – were also sanctioned.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, “There is no justification for extremist violence against civilians, regardless of their national origin, ethnicity, race, or religion, or the displacement of families from their homes.”
Axios first informed about the new sanctions.
The announcement marks an increase in the administration’s response to West Bank settler violence against Palestinians, as sanctions against posts affect a broader group than sanctions against individuals.
“These West Bank sites are owned or controlled by designated individuals, serve as bases for committing acts of violence, and are even illegal under Israeli law,” Miller said at a press briefing Thursday. “It is imperative that Israel take further action to end settler violence and hold those responsible accountable.”
The White House is growing he called Israel’s “holding extremist settlements accountable for acts of violence” against Palestinians. Israel’s conservative-led government led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has made expanding settlements in the West Bank a major goal. Most importantdespite critics pointing out, the settlements significantly complicate the prospects for any two-state solution.
“Today’s action further underscores our commitment to promoting peace, security and stability for civilians in the West Bank and our accountability for the individuals and institutions involved in these actions,” the State Department said Thursday.
Biden has come under fire from his own party, particularly progressives, for what he has called “ironclad” support for Israel in the face of a growing Palestinian presence in Gaza.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and an estimated 30,000 people died in Gaza.
campaign urging US voters to do so Give up on Biden won favor with progressives and caused more than 100,000 voters in Michigan to vote against “non-loyalists” in the state’s Democratic presidential primary. Biden and his allies also faced a pro-Palestinian ceasefire objections raising concerns among some at the official White House and at campaign events donors On what “unlimited” voting could mean for presidential chances in November.
Abigail Williams contributed.