The Biden administration imposed sanctions on two entities accused of fundraising for extremist Israeli settlers and the founder of an organization whose members regularly assault Palestinians. These penalties aim to block them from using the U.S. financial system and bar American citizens from dealing with them. The fundraising campaign established by Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich generated significant amounts for sanctioned settlers Yinon Levi and David Chai Chasdai, with Levi’s fund linked to a regional council that receives state money.
The expansion of illegal settler outposts in the West Bank, supported by regional councils and Israel’s current far-right government, has raised concerns among rights groups. The Biden administration’s sanctions targeted the fundraisers but did not extend to crowdfunding websites where the funds were raised. The State Department also designated Ben-Zion Gopstein, the founder of Lehava, an organization whose members have assaulted Palestinian civilians. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated that these actions are meant to hold those responsible for undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank accountable.
In February, President Biden issued an executive order that targets Israeli settlers in the West Bank accused of attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists in the occupied territory. The recent sanctions come amidst escalating violence by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, coinciding with tensions between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. While the Biden administration did not sanction the regional councils themselves, it took action against individuals and entities involved in fundraising for the sanctioned settlers.
The sanctions on Mount Hebron Fund, Shlom Asiraich, and Ben-Zion Gopstein mark an effort by the Biden administration to address the violence and instability in the West Bank caused by extremist activities and attacks on Palestinians. By targeting key individuals and entities involved in fundraising for sanctioned settlers, the U.S. government aims to disrupt the financial support that enables these violent actions. The online fundraisers linked to sanctioned individuals have been shut down, but concerns remain about ongoing fundraising efforts for extremists in the region.
The Biden administration’s actions reflect a commitment to holding accountable those who perpetrate violence and undermine peace efforts in the West Bank. The designation of Lehava’s founder and the sanctions on fundraising entities demonstrate a willingness to address the root causes of conflict in the region. As tensions persist between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, the U.S. government’s targeted sanctions aim to deter further violence and promote stability in the West Bank. The Biden administration continues to use its tools to address the challenges posed by extremist elements in the region and protect the rights and security of Palestinians.
