US Imposes New Sanctions Over Settler Violence in West Bank
The Biden administration has imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
This marks the sixth set of sanctions issued by the U.S. over such actions, focusing on a group known for securing illegal outposts and a security guard linked to violent incidents.
The latest sanctions are directed at the organization Hashomer Yosh (Guardians of Judea and Samaria) and Yitzhak Levi Filant, a civilian security guard associated with a contentious settlement. These measures come in response to recent violent settler rampages through Palestinian towns that resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians. Despite the severity of these incidents, no arrests have been made, and indictments in such cases are rare.
Hashomer Yosh is an organization that supports at least 26 illegal farming outposts in the West Bank. Among these outposts are Meitarim Farm and Moshe’s Farm, both of which are managed by individuals previously sanctioned by the U.S. The group has also provided assistance to other U.S.-designated individuals involved in violence against Palestinians.
The sanctions against Filant, although he holds a role similar to that of a law enforcement officer, are based on his involvement in unauthorized activities. In February 2024, he allegedly led armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and conducting patrols aimed at attacking Palestinians and forcing them off their lands.
The U.S. State Department highlighted the broader impact of such violence, noting that it causes significant human suffering, undermines Israel’s security, and threatens peace and stability in the region. The department urged the Israeli government to hold those accountable for violence against civilians in the West Bank.
The Biden administration’s approach to combating extremist settler violence has included the use of sanctions since February, when President Joe Biden signed an executive order granting him the authority to impose such measures. Since then, 11 individuals and 11 entities have been subject to these sanctions.
The United States has taken a more proactive approach to addressing this issue, particularly as concerns grow about Israeli authorities’ lack of enforcement. The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service reportedly expressed frustration in private meetings with the Israeli police’s unwillingness to address the issue, particularly under the supervision of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
With input from Axios, South China Morning Post and the Times of Israel.
