Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-02-01 18:53:19
The United States took an unprecedented step on Thursday by imposing sanctions on four Israeli settlers, as President Joe Biden spoke out against the escalating violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. The move came amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and as Biden made a visit to Michigan, home to a significant Arab American community that has expressed frustration over his support for Israel.
The sanctions were announced as part of an executive order issued by Biden, which outlined the US government’s response to attacks and “acts of terrorism” in the West Bank. The order specifically cited extremist settler violence, forced displacement of people and villages, and property destruction in the region as intolerable and serious threats to peace, security, and stability.
The State Department later revealed that the sanctions would block any assets held in the United States by the four Israeli settlers and that Americans would be prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with them.
One of the sanctioned settlers, David Chai Chasdai, was accused of leading a riot that resulted in the death of a Palestinian civilian in the town of Huwara. Another, Yinon Levi, was accused of leading a group of settlers in the unauthorized outpost of Meitarim Farm, reportedly assaulting Palestinian and Bedouin civilians, burning fields, and destroying property.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to take action to prevent violence against civilians in the West Bank and hold those responsible accountable. He also warned against actions that could jeopardize the eventual creation of a Palestinian state, an idea that has been strongly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government.
In response to the sanctions, Israel criticized the move, stating that it acts against all lawbreakers and does not see the need for exceptional measures.
The US government’s actions are part of a broader effort to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Biden administration had previously announced that it would refuse visas for extremists involved in violence.
While Biden has defended Israel’s right to respond to attacks, he has also expressed frustration with the high toll on civilians as Israel continues its military campaign in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, primarily among civilians in Gaza.
The issue has become particularly sensitive in Michigan, where Arab Americans have expressed dissatisfaction with Biden’s stance on the conflict. The mayor of a Detroit suburb refused to meet with Biden during his visit due to the president’s refusal to press Israel to end the military campaign.
The violence in the West Bank has reached alarming levels, with Israeli settlers being responsible for the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians and the destruction of numerous homes. There are approximately 490,000 settlers living among three million Palestinians in the West Bank, with the settlements considered illegal under international law.
The Biden administration has shown a renewed commitment to addressing the conflict and renewed calls for the creation of a Palestinian state, despite strong opposition from Netanyahu’s government.
Overall, the US government’s actions against Israeli settlers reflect a significant shift in its approach to the ongoing conflict, with a focus on holding accountable those responsible for violence and promoting stability in the region.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
