US imposes sanctions on Israeli extremist group for violence against Palestinians

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US has accused Israeli organization Hashomer Yush and civil security coordinator in the Yitzhar settlement Yitzhak Levi Vaillant of perpetrating extremist acts of violence against Palestinians and has subsequently levied sanctions against them.

The sanctions were enacted in response to their role in forcibly displacing Palestinians from their lands and preventing their return.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the violence by extremist settlers in the West Bank, stating that it causes severe human suffering, undermines Israel’s security, and threatens the prospects for peace and stability in the region. Miller emphasized the necessity for the Israeli government to hold accountable those responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank. He also mentioned that additional measures have been implemented against individuals or entities participating in or supporting such violent activities.

The sanctions have sparked condemnation from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed serious concern over the U.S. actions and stated that he would address the issue with American authorities.

Meanwhile, EU Foreign Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell has proposed sanctions against Israeli officials Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, for their anti-Palestinian rhetoric, which has been criticized for inciting hate speech and potentially supporting war crimes.