US targets Israeli settlers with sanctions amid rising violence in West Bank

The United States imposed sanctions on Tuesday against two Israeli individuals for their roles in fostering instability in the region. Eitan Yardeni, described as a violent settler, and Avichai Suissa, CEO and director of the organization Hashomer Yosh, were named in the sanctions by the State Department.

“The actions of these individuals have contributed to creating an environment where violence and instability thrive,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated. The sanctions come in response to a series of aggressive actions attributed to Yardeni, including his involvement in a group that invaded the Palestinian town of Khallet Al Dabaa in late 2023.

Suissa’s leadership role in Hashomer Yosh has also been highlighted as a factor contributing to the prevailing climate of hostility affecting Palestinian communities. As a result of the sanctions, both Yardeni and Suissa are prohibited from accessing their assets in the US, while American individuals and entities are banned from conducting transactions with them. Additionally, they are barred from entering the United States.

“The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior,” the State Department emphasized.

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The sanctions come amid a troubling surge in violence attributed to illegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians. Since October 7 of last year, at least 719 Palestinians, including 160 children, have been killed, with nearly 6,200 others injured and over 10,900 arrested, according to Palestinian sources. Israeli estimates indicate that around 720,000 Israelis reside in illegal settlement outposts throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, areas that the international community, including the United Nations, deems illegal under international law.

This latest escalation follows a landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice in July, which declared Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestinian land unlawful and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The US has also expressed that Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied territory is inconsistent with international law, further complicating an already tense situation in the region.

As the US seeks to exert pressure on individuals contributing to the violence, the broader implications for peace and stability in the West Bank remain uncertain, with many observers questioning whether such sanctions can lead to meaningful change in the ongoing conflict.