The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two organizations, Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich, for fundraising on behalf of violent Israeli extremists in the West Bank. Both organizations established crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for individuals who were previously sanctioned by the US government under a new executive order targeting those perpetrating violence in the region. The State Department also imposed sanctions on Ben-Zion Gopstein, the founder and leader of Lehava, for violence against Palestinian civilians.
President Joe Biden issued the executive order in February in response to increased violence in the West Bank, particularly following a terrorist attack on October 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disapproval of the sanctions, calling them inappropriate and highly problematic. The Mount Hebron Fund was created to bypass sanctions and raise funds for Yinon Levi, a settler accused of leading violent attacks against Palestinians. Similarly, Shlom Asiraich raised money for David Chai Chasdai, who initiated a riot resulting in the death of a Palestinian civilian.
Crowdfunding efforts for Levi and Chasdai attracted thousands of donors from around the world, raising tens of thousands of dollars before their pages were shut down. In addition to fundraising for the two extremists, Shlom Asiraich has also collected funds for other imprisoned violent extremists who share the organization’s ideology. This includes individuals like Yigal Amir, who assassinated former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and Amiram Ben Uliel, who was convicted for killing a Palestinian family in an arson attack.
The sanctions imposed by the US government are part of a larger effort to combat violence and extremism in the West Bank. The actions taken against these fundraising organizations and individuals aim to disrupt their ability to support and perpetrate violent acts against Palestinians. By targeting those who incite and engage in violence, the US hopes to promote peace and security in the region. The sanctions serve as a warning to those who support or engage in violent extremism that their actions will not be tolerated.
The US Treasury Department’s statement regarding the sanctions highlighted the violent actions and activities of the individuals and organizations targeted. From assaults on Palestinian civilians to arson attacks, the sanctioned individuals have engaged in activities that have led to death and destruction in the West Bank. By imposing sanctions on these entities, the US government sends a clear message that such behavior will have consequences and will be met with swift and decisive action.
Overall, the sanctions on the Mount Hebron Fund, Shlom Asiraich, and Ben-Zion Gopstein are part of a broader effort to address and prevent violence in the West Bank. By targeting those who support and engage in violent acts, the US government aims to disrupt the funding and support networks that enable such actions to occur. The actions taken by the US government serve as a warning to others who may engage in similar behavior, signaling that violence and extremism will not be tolerated or supported.
