New Financial Restrictions Hit Israeli Settlers in the West Bank
Let's talk about the recent financial restrictions the U.S. has imposed on Israeli occupants in the West Bank. The focus seems to be on Hashomer Yosh, an NGO that aids farmers in Judea and Samaria, as per their website. Judea and Samaria, a biblical term for the West Bank, is an area Israel has occupied.
Now, what's the beef with Hashomer Yosh? It's all about an unauthorized settlement near Hebron in the southern part of the West Bank. Volunteers from the organizations affected by these new sanctions reportedly caused a 250-strong Palestinian village to evacuate this year.
The U.S. is now slapping sanctions on an individual accused of overseeing roadblocks and patrols with the intent of attacking Palestinians. The U.S. Department of State believes it's essential for the Israeli government to hold accountable everyone involved in violence against civilians in the West Bank.
Israeli banks ask their clients to steer clear of individuals and entities hit by U.S. sanctions to avoid facing sanctions themselves. However, the U.S. government hasn't sanctioned Israeli ministers pushing for settlements in the West Bank yet.
The deteriorating situation in the West Bank since the 1967 conflict between Israel and the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas has drawn attention. The Israeli army recently launched a significant operation in the West Bank to "dismantle the Iranian-Islamic terrorist infrastructure."
At least 650 Palestinians have perished in the West Bank since Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2022. Many deaths can be linked to Israeli military operations or radical settlers. At least 19 Israelis have been killed by militant Palestinian attacks.
The European Union may voice concerns over the ongoing situation, given organizations like Hashomer Yosh's alleged involvement in activities against international law. The European Union, as a strong advocate for peace and human rights, could press for a more diplomatic approach to resolve conflicts in the region involving Israeli NGOs and Palestinian residents.
