2:44 p.m. ET, February 1, 2024
US State Department announces first round of sanctions against 4 Israelis for violence in West Bank
The US State Department announced the first round of sanctions under a new executive order targeting those perpetrating violence in the West Bank on Thursday.
The new sanctions — which block their financial assets and bar them from coming to the US — target four Israeli nationals.
In a statement Thursday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that “Israel must do more to stop violence against civilians in the West Bank and hold accountable those responsible for it.”
Here are some more specifics:
Who the order will target: The order focuses on four individuals accused of directly perpetrating violence or intimidation in the West Bank, the State Department said, including people accused of initiating and leading a riot; setting buildings, fields and vehicles on fire; assaulting civilians; and damaging property. The four individuals named are David Chai Chasdai, Einan Tanjil, Shalom Zicherman and Yinon Levi.
What the order will do: The White House notified the Israeli government of its plans ahead of the order, an official said. The order will block the individuals’ property and financial transactions in the United States and prohibit Americans from funding or contributing money to them. The order is directed toward foreign nationals and not American citizens, an official said, though some dual nationals have been accused of being involved in the violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement in response to the US sanctions, saying they were not necessary.
This post has been updated with the announcement of the order from the State Department and Netanyahu’s response.
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
