Washington: Violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank will be hit with a fresh wave of travel and financial sanctions under a new executive order issued by US president Joe Biden to tackle growing instability in the Middle East.
As tensions rise following the Israel-Hamas war, the White House says it will target four foreign nationals that have engaged in terrorism, violence, intimidation, and property damage against civilians in the West Bank, a large region of land east of Israel that is home to about 3 million Palestinians.
Palestinians look at the aftermath of an Israeli military raid on Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.Credit: AP
The executive order is the most significant action Biden has taken against Israelis since the October 7 war erupted and comes as the president faces a growing backlash over the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
Under the order, West Bank settlers who have committed violence against Palestinians will be banned from obtaining visas into the US and prevented from have any property, assets or business interests.
One of the individuals targeted initiated and led a riot that involved setting buildings on fire, damaging property and ultimately resulted in the death of a Palestinian, a US official said. Another individual assaulted farmers and other Israeli activities with stones and clubs.
US President Joe Biden talks to reporters yesterday (AEDT).Credit: AP
Speaking at the annual prayer breakfast in Washington before the executive order was announced, Biden told attendees: “Not only do we pray for peace, we’re actively working for peace, security, and dignity for the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.
“I’m engaged in this day and night – as many of you in this room are – to find the means to bring our hostages home, to ease the humanitarian crisis and to bring peace to Gaza and Israel. An enduring peace – with two states for two peoples.”
Of the 135 hostages held by Hamas, six are Israeli-American dual citizens.
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