U.S. President Joe Biden addressed attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast held at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., this Thursday, as captured by Andrew Harnik of The Associated Press.
In a rare move, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday, targeting Israeli settlers in the West Bank accused of violent acts against Palestinians. The order imposes financial sanctions and visa bans on four individuals allegedly involved in violence, threats, and attempts to seize Palestinian property.
The penalties aim to restrict these individuals from using the U.S. financial system and prevent American citizens from engaging with them. U.S. officials are considering further actions against others involved in attacks that have escalated during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
President Biden, while asserting Israel's right to defend itself, has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to exercise greater restraint in military operations against Hamas. Netanyahu criticized the U.S. penalties, emphasizing Israel's actions against law-breakers.
The order, acknowledging violence by settlers as a threat to peace and stability, aims to align with U.S. foreign policy objectives, including the pursuit of a two-state solution. The Treasury Department gains the authority to impose financial sanctions on violent settlers, but the order does not target U.S. citizens, including a significant number of settlers in the West Bank.
The move follows the State Department's announcement in December of travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel's occupation of the West Bank and construction of settlements have been contentious issues.
Criticism of Biden's strong support for Israel has intensified as casualties mount in the conflict. Over 25,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza due to Israel's military retaliation, with 380 Palestinians killed and 4,200 injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank. Biden has condemned retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers, emphasizing accountability.
U.S. lawmakers, concerned about the role of American citizens in settler violence, called for action. Sen. Ben Cardin urged a strong message against extremist activities jeopardizing Palestinian lives and regional peace. However, the Biden administration has no plans to penalize far-right Israeli ministers supporting settler violence.
The executive order coincides with Biden's visit to Michigan, a key battleground state with a significant Arab American population. Biden faces criticism from Arab and Muslim leaders over his handling of the conflict, and his administration aims to engage with community leaders on various issues.
In response to speculation about domestic pressure influencing the timing of the order, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that officials have been working on potential actions since November, denying any connection to domestic pressure.
