U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Groups and Individuals Over Settler Violence in the West Bank

Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images

The U.S. Department of State has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and organizations involved in extremist settler violence in the West Bank. This move is part of the U.S. effort to address the severe instability and human suffering caused by such violence, which also jeopardizes Israel’s security and undermines peace prospects in the region.

The sanctions specifically target Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli NGO that supports the U.S.-designated outpost Meitarim Farm, and its affiliated individuals Yinon Levi, Neriya Ben Pazi, and Zvi Bar Yosef. Hashomer Yosh played a role in the forced expulsion of 250 Palestinian residents from Khirbet Zanuta in January 2024 and provided support to the outpost through activities like fencing off the village and guarding the outposts.

Additionally, the U.S. has sanctioned Yitzhak Levi Filant, the civilian security coordinator for the Yitzhar settlement. Filant has been involved in activities beyond his security role, including leading armed settlers to set up roadblocks and conduct patrols to attack and forcibly remove Palestinians from their lands in February 2024.

The U.S. remains committed to promoting accountability for those who commit or support extremist violence in the West Bank, emphasizing its role in fostering stability and protecting civilian lives.

For context:

Early Wednesday, Israel's military conducted raids and airstrikes across multiple locations in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as the largest of its kind in years. The IDF, in collaboration with the Israel Security Agency (ISA), carried out a major counter-terrorism operation in the northern West Bank regions of Jenin and Tulkarem. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation aimed to disrupt “Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructure,” alleging that Iran was attempting to create an “eastern front” against Israel.