Title: Fresh U.S. Financial Sanctions Hit Israeli Settlers in West Bank
The recent wave of financial restrictions from the U.S. has zeroed in on Israeli residents in the West Bank, with reports suggesting the sanctions may target the group Hashomer Yosh. The organization, as per their website, supports numerous farmers in the Judea and Samaria region, a biblical term for the West Bank, which Israel has occupied.
Amid allegations, the U.S. Department of State has accused Hashomer Yosh of backing an unauthorized settlement near Hebron, a city located in the southern part of the West Bank. It is reported that volunteers from organizations affected by the new sanctions forced a village evacuation this year, leaving its 250 Palestinian residents displaced.
The U.S. is imposing sanctions on an individual responsible for overseeing roadblocks and patrols, with the intention of attacking Palestinians, clarified State Department spokesperson Miller.
U.S. sanctions generally prohibit such individuals from utilizing the U.S. financial system, pushing Israeli banks to minimize interactions with the sanctioned entities to avoid facing repercussions themselves. However, the U.S. government has yet to sanction Israeli ministers advocating for settlements in the West Bank.
The West Bank situation, particularly since the conflict between Israel and the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 1967, has shown a noticeable deterioration. Israeli authorities launched a substantial operation in the West Bank on Wednesday, aiming to dismantle an alleged Iranian-Islamic terrorist infrastructure, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
As per AFP's estimation based on Palestinian reports, at least 650 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7. This loss can be attributed to either Israeli military operations or radical settlers. At least 19 Israelis have been fatally attacked by militant Palestinian groups, as per Israeli sources.
The European Union may voice its concerns over the ongoing situation in the West Bank given the reported involvement of organizations like Hashomer Yosh in activities contravening international law. The EU, known as a strong advocate for peace and human rights, could exert pressure for a more diplomatic approach to manage conflicts involving Israeli NGOs and Palestinian residents.
Additional Insights:
Under Executive Order 14115 issued in 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to settler violence and activities undermining peace in the West Bank. Specific targets included settler groups and individuals involved in violent activities, like attacks on Palestinian civilians and properties. President Trump reversed these sanctions in 2025, which drew criticism from the Palestinian Authority and international organizations.
