Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States has consistently opposed actions that undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. This includes attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and Palestinian attacks against Israelis.  There is no justification for extremist violence against civilians, whatever their national origin, ethnicity, or religion.

The United States is today implementing a series of measures to address such actions in the West Bank and impose accountability for those responsible for them.

The Department of State is imposing financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals/individuals connected to violence against civilians in the West Bank.  These designations have been imposed under a new Executive Order establishing U.S. authority to issue financial sanctions against those directing or participating in acts or threats of violence against civilians, intimidation of civilians to cause them to leave their homes, destruction or seizure of property, or terrorist activity in the West Bank.

Israel must do more to stop violence against civilians in the West Bank and hold accountable those responsible for it.  The United States will continue to take actions to advance the foreign policy objectives of the United States, including the viability of a two-state solution, and is committed to the safety, security, and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

This new E.O. authorizes the imposition of sanctions on any foreign person determined to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions – including directing, enacting, implementing, enforcing, or failing to enforce policies – that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the West Bank, as well as other specified harmful activities. For more information on today’s action, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.