President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers on Thursday due to their involvement in violent incidents against Palestinians in the disputed West Bank territory.
The White House’s executive order, which imposes penalties on Israelis during their conflict with the Palestinian Hamas movement in Gaza and terrorist cells in the West Bank, has ignited strong anger among supporters of the Middle East’s only democracy.
“Although I strongly condemn violence, the decision by Biden to impose sanctions on four Israeli individuals, particularly considering the higher prevalence and lethality of Palestinian violence, appears to be purely driven by political motives,” commented David Friedman, a former US ambassador to Israel and a prominent figure in facilitating peace between Arab nations and Israel.
Friedman, who worked in the previous administration, strongly criticized Biden for imposing sanctions on Israeli Jews while Palestinian violence continues in the West Bank, as reported by the envoy and other experts.
Friedman seems to be implying that Biden’s actions are driven by political motives, possibly in relation to his attempts to appeal to Arab-American voters in Michigan. During a campaign visit to Michigan, President Biden took action against four Israelis. This move comes as he seeks to regain support from members of the Arab-American community who are critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The executive order issued by President Biden addresses the concerns surrounding the situation in the West Bank, specifically focusing on the significant levels of extremist settler violence, forced displacement of individuals and communities, and property destruction. These actions pose a significant risk to the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank and Gaza, Israel, and the wider Middle East region, while also undermining the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States.
Four individuals, namely David Chai Chasdai, Einan Tanjil, Shalom Zicherman, and Yinon Levi, have been sanctioned. The Biden administration’s recent actions have sparked widespread anger due to the Israeli judiciary’s involvement in legal proceedings against certain individuals or groups.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was mentioned that the residents in Judea and Samaria are primarily law-abiding citizens. Additionally, it was highlighted that a significant number of them are currently serving in the military to protect Israel.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that Israel takes action against any Israeli individuals who violate the law, regardless of their location. As a result, there is no need for extraordinary measures.
In 2016, Chasdai was sentenced to six months in jail by Israeli authorities for his involvement in planning an attack on a Palestinian village. A case is currently being heard by Israel’s Supreme Court regarding Levi’s alleged vandalism of Palestinian olive trees and water wells. Tanjil is currently facing charges for allegedly assaulting an Israeli activist earlier this year.
Biden Sanctions Israeli Settlers
A legal case looms over Shalom Zicherman, who allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with individuals holding left-wing views near the historic city of Hebron.
The sanctions imposed by Biden prevent the four individuals from engaging in any business activities with Americans in the US and also restrict their ability to travel to the US.
Many Israelis residing in Judea and Samaria prefer to be called residents rather than “settlers” due to the negative implications associated with the term. According to Israel’s government, the region of Judea and Samaria is considered disputed territory from a legal standpoint.
The international community widely asserts that the territory is under the control of the Israeli government. In 1967, Israel took control of Judea and Samaria in response to a conflict initiated by several Arab nations who opposed the existence of the Jewish state.
Pompeo, who, like Friedman, served during the Trump administration, recently made an appearance in a documentary alongside the former ambassador called “Route 60: The Biblical Highway.” The film explores significant biblical sites in the Holy Land, encompassing both Christian and Jewish traditions, along Route 60.