Biden Signs Executive Order Targeting Israeli Settlers' Violence Against Palestinians

Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons

President Biden has issued an executive order granting the U.S. authority to enforce new sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violent attacks against Palestinians. This significant move is the U.S.’s most substantial response to violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

Increasing Attacks on Palestinians

There have been approximately 500 attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians since October 7, as reported by the UN humanitarian office (OCHA). These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians, including a child, and over 115 injuries. Despite the Israeli government’s claim of robust action leading to a decrease in these violent attacks, the Biden administration has consistently raised concerns over the last three years.

Sanctions Imposed

In November, Biden directed the Secretaries of State and Treasury to prepare potential sanctions against Israeli individuals or entities involved in violent attacks against Palestinians. Consequently, Secretary of State Tony Blinken imposed visa bans on several dozen Israeli settlers believed to be involved in such attacks, barring them from U.S. travel.

The new executive order includes sanctions against four Israeli settlers directly involved in violent acts and forced displacement of Palestinian communities. These individuals’ assets and bank accounts in the U.S. will be frozen, with no trading or transfers allowed through the U.S. financial system. The order also allows for additional sanctions against individuals involved in violence or terrorism against Palestinian civilians, destruction or seizure of their property, and intimidation leading to their displacement.

Israeli Pushback

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office responded that Biden’s executive order is unnecessary, stating that most settlers are law-abiding citizens and that Israel is taking action against lawbreakers. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich referred to the “settler violence campaign” as an “antisemitic lie,” vowing to continue strengthening Israeli settlements despite potential U.S. sanctions.

U.S. Foreign Policy Objectives

Blinken stated that Israel must do more to prevent violence against West Bank civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. He reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to advancing its foreign policy objectives, including the viability of a two-state solution, and to ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Behind the scenes, the White House, State Department, and Department of Treasury have been working on the executive order for weeks. The order’s timing comes ahead of Biden’s visit to Michigan, home to the largest population of Arab Americans.