President Joe Biden has issued an executive order targeting violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, accusing them of undermining stability in the region. The order, expected to be announced Thursday, imposes sanctions on four individuals involved in violent acts, including rioting, arson, assault on civilians, and property damage.
The named individuals are David Chai Chasdai, Einan Tanjil, Shalom Zicherman, and Yinon Levi, whose financial assets will be blocked, and they will be barred from entering the United States.
The State Department provided details of the accused settlers’ actions, such as Chasdai leading a riot resulting in a Palestinian civilian’s death, Tanjil assaulting farmers and activists, Zicherman attacking Israeli activists and damaging vehicles, and Levi leading a group creating fear in the West Bank.
The US government claims to have evidence supporting these accusations, including information from public reporting.
While the Israeli government was notified beforehand, it deemed the sanctions unnecessary, asserting its commitment to addressing lawbreakers. President Biden’s move comes amid criticism from his political coalition for supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas, marking a significant step in critiquing Israel since the conflict’s onset. The order is not expected to address the situation in Gaza but may signal Biden’s stance toward Muslim and Arab-American voters.
In December, Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled a policy preventing extremist Israeli settlers responsible for violence from entering the US. The policy could affect dozens of individuals and their family members, applying to both Israelis and Palestinians involved in West Bank attacks.
The Washington Post)
Settler violence in the West Bank has been a longstanding issue, intensifying after the October 7 Hamas attack. President Biden has consistently raised the matter in diplomatic conversations with Israeli leaders, emphasizing its threat to peace and stability in the region. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Biden acknowledged the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians, expressing active efforts for peace, security, and dignity for both parties.