Democratic Lawmakers Call on President Biden to Sanction Netanyahu’s Government Over Rising Anti-Palestinian Violence in the West Bank
Nearly 90 Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to take a firm stance against members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, calling for sanctions in response to what they describe as escalating anti-Palestinian violence in the West Bank.
The lawmakers’ letter, made public on Thursday, expresses grave concern over increasing violence from Israeli settlers, ongoing settlement expansion, and actions that have weakened the Palestinian Authority, which they believe are destabilizing the already tense region.
The letter, addressed to Biden and signed by 17 senators and 71 House representatives, singles out Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for allegedly inciting and supporting violence by settlers.
According to the letter, Israeli settlers have committed over 1,270 documented attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank this year alone, an average of more than three violent incidents per day. Lawmakers argue that sanctions on key figures in Netanyahu’s government would send a strong message condemning these actions and demonstrate U.S. commitment to addressing humanitarian concerns in the region.
Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Sean Casten, who are leading the effort, explained that Biden has the authority to impose sanctions through an existing executive order, which could be invoked to penalize foreign officials involved in human rights abuses.
“We believe it is crucial that President Biden makes it clear that the United States will not support extreme actions by the Netanyahu government,” Van Hollen told reporters. According to the lawmakers, such a move would signal to allies and adversaries alike that the U.S. is committed to defending human rights and opposing acts that threaten stability and peace.
The letter, dated October 29, was released to the public only after the lawmakers did not receive a response from the White House. The Biden administration has long supported a two-state solution and has consistently discouraged Israel from expanding settlements in the West Bank.
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Nevertheless, rising settler violence and Netanyahu’s recent shift to a more nationalist, right-wing coalition have intensified concerns about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the likelihood of reaching a peaceful resolution.
Netanyahu’s government has faced increased scrutiny over settlement expansion and rhetoric promoting the annexation of West Bank territories. Bezalel Smotrich, who holds an influential role in the defense ministry related to settler activities, recently announced plans to push for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank by 2025.
He stated that he would actively seek support for this agenda from the incoming Trump administration, whose recent electoral success Netanyahu and his allies celebrated as a positive development for Israel. During his previous term, Trump delivered several wins for Netanyahu, including the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The situation in the West Bank remains contentious, with international perspectives largely opposing Israeli settlements in the area. The West Bank, seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, is territory where Palestinians seek to establish an independent state with international backing. However, Israel disputes the illegality of these settlements, claiming historical ties and citing security interests in the region.
The lawmakers emphasized that Biden’s stance on the issue could have broader implications beyond the U.S.-Israel relationship. Democratic leaders hope that by urging Biden to take a stand, he will reinforce the United States’ commitment to peace and justice not only in the Middle East but globally.
“It’s more important than ever that the United States doesn’t act as a rubber stamp to the Netanyahu government’s extreme actions,” Van Hollen asserted.
As tensions continue to simmer in the West Bank, the international community is closely watching how the Biden administration will respond to the concerns of Democratic lawmakers and whether the White House will take tangible action in holding Netanyahu’s government accountable.