What are the reasons behind the US sanctions?
The decision is not justified, but it is so far the most significant sanction against Israel that the US has decided on. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Israeli citizens have never before been punished by the United States in this way and the decision is described as historic. There is an important symbolism in the sanctions because they come at the same time as criticism of Biden’s support for Israel grows, not least within his own party. This election year, the decision may also be a way to make a mark in front of Americans of Arab origin who disapprove of Biden’s continued support for Israel despite the death of over 27,000 Palestinians in the Gaza war. On Thursday, Biden will make a campaign appearance in Detroit. The city is located in an area with a large Arab-American population.
Who are the settlers against whom the US has imposed sanctions?
The actions of the four named men are not completely clear and they appear to be separate incidents in the West Bank, but according to the US State Department, they have initiated and created riots. Palestinian casualties have been claimed. Bedouin property has been destroyed, crops burned, and Palestinian and Israeli activists have been obstructed with stones and clubs.
How has Israel reacted?
The decision is described as drastic and Israel claims that anyone who breaks the law is also punished. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office writes that the vast majority of settlers in the West Bank are law-abiding.