Tensions rise as extremist settlers continue protests against the Gaza cease-fire, following Trump's inauguration and the consequent cancellation of Biden-era sanctions against key groups.
Trump Lifts Sanctions on Israeli Settlers Amid Growing West Bank Tensions
Trump Lifts Sanctions on Israeli Settlers Amid Growing West Bank Tensions
In a recent executive order, former President Trump has cancelled sanctions on Israeli individuals and settler groups, igniting concerns of renewed violence against Palestinians.
In a notable shift in United States policy, former President Donald Trump has overturned sanctions previously enacted by the Biden administration against several Israeli individuals and far-right settler organizations accused of engaging in violence against Palestinians. This decision comes in the wake of increased hostility in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where extremist Jewish settlers have reportedly vandalized Palestinian properties and caused unrest in the region.
Following Trump’s swearing-in on Monday, his administration swiftly lifted these sanctions, which had been instituted less than a year before under Biden’s executive authority. Palestinian officials have voiced strong criticism, arguing that the lifted sanctions are likely to further incite violence in an already volatile region.
The timing of the sanctions' cancellation was particularly alarming as violence escalated over the weekend, with Jewish extremists allegedly attacking Palestinian villages, setting ablaze vehicles, and destroying property. On Tuesday, the Israeli military announced a counterterrorism operation in Jenin, situated in the northern West Bank, which has gained notoriety as a stronghold for militant activity.
Hardline elements within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have been calling for the undoing of these sanctions. Some of these settler leaders have established close relationships with Trump's circle, underlining an alignment with the former president’s policies.
The lifting of sanctions occurs against the backdrop of a new cease-fire in Gaza that began on Sunday, which has been met with significant opposition from far-right factions in Israel. This cease-fire, the first tangible pause in hostilities since the conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, involves a six-week truce paired with planned exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
However, the complete terms of the longer-term agreement have yet to be finalized.
Following Trump’s swearing-in on Monday, his administration swiftly lifted these sanctions, which had been instituted less than a year before under Biden’s executive authority. Palestinian officials have voiced strong criticism, arguing that the lifted sanctions are likely to further incite violence in an already volatile region.
The timing of the sanctions' cancellation was particularly alarming as violence escalated over the weekend, with Jewish extremists allegedly attacking Palestinian villages, setting ablaze vehicles, and destroying property. On Tuesday, the Israeli military announced a counterterrorism operation in Jenin, situated in the northern West Bank, which has gained notoriety as a stronghold for militant activity.
Hardline elements within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have been calling for the undoing of these sanctions. Some of these settler leaders have established close relationships with Trump's circle, underlining an alignment with the former president’s policies.
The lifting of sanctions occurs against the backdrop of a new cease-fire in Gaza that began on Sunday, which has been met with significant opposition from far-right factions in Israel. This cease-fire, the first tangible pause in hostilities since the conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, involves a six-week truce paired with planned exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
However, the complete terms of the longer-term agreement have yet to be finalized.
