This Thursday, the United States Department of State announced the imposition of financial sanctions against four Israeli citizens accused of participating in violent acts against civilians in the West Bank.
The move was taken shortly after President Joe Biden issued an executive order, granting the authority to impose visa bans and financial sanctions on Israeli citizens flagged for carrying out attacks against Palestinians.
“The Department of State is imposing financial sanctions on four individuals pursuant to a new Executive Order that President Biden announced today to promote accountability for certain harmful activities that threaten the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank,” the notice reads.
.@POTUS and @SecBlinken have been clear that extremist violence in the West Bank is unacceptable. Under the President's new Executive Order, the State Department is imposing financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals for their destabilizing acts. pic.twitter.com/rXNvknBKH5
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 1, 2024
The sanctioned individuals
The sanctioned actions involve different individuals, each accused of perpetrating different violent acts in the West Bank. David Chai Chasdai is credited with carrying out a riot that led to the burning of vehicles and buildings, resulting in the death of a civilian. Einan Tanjil faces accusations of attacking both Palestinian farmers and Israeli activists. Shalom Zicherman is suspected of participating in acts of violence that include damage to property and attacks on civilians. Finally, Yinon Levi was identified as the alleged leader of a group that attacked Palestinian civilians, threatening them to have to leave their homes.
The sanctions
As a result of these actions, the State Department decided that the property and assets of the affected individuals, whether in the United States or under the possession or control of U.S. citizens, will be frozen. In addition, U.S. citizens are prohibited from conducting transactions with these individuals, and these individuals will also be banned from entering the North American country.
Israel reacts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded to the sanctions in a statement, emphasizing that most Israelis in the West Bank are law-abiding citizens and that their country takes action against any violation of the law.
Additionally, Netanyahu’s Finance Minister, Benjamin Smotrich, called allegations of violence an “antisemitic lie” and stated that settlements in the region will continue despite U.S. sanctions.
