WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States announced on Tuesday the implementation of visa bans targeting individuals involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This move comes after repeated appeals for Israel to address violence perpetrated by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the region.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken detailed the new State Department visa restriction policy. It focuses on those believed to have undermined peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including acts of violence or actions restricting civilians’ access to essential services.
President Joe Biden and other U.S. officials have consistently urged Israel to take action against settler violence in the West Bank.
Such incidents have increased in recent months alongside the expansion of Jewish settlements, with a notable spike following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
During a recent visit, Blinken pressed Israeli officials on the need to address extremist violence against Palestinians and to hold perpetrators accountable. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the importance of this during a press briefing.
Miller also noted that Palestinian leaders must take steps to prevent attacks against Israelis in the West Bank. The U.S. will begin implementing the first bans under the new policy immediately, with more designations expected in the coming days. The policy could affect dozens of individuals and potentially their family members, including revoking existing U.S. visas.
Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has maintained control over the West Bank, with Palestinians aspiring to establish an independent state in the area. Israel’s settlement activities, deemed illegal by most countries but disputed by Israel citing historical and biblical connections, have been a point of contention.
Responding to inquiries about settler violence, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that only authorized Israeli authorities have the right to use violence, asserting Israel’s status as a state of law.
Miller acknowledged some Israeli measures against perpetrators of West Bank violence, like administrative detention, but emphasized the U.S. belief in the need for prosecution. He stated that the U.S. actions do not diminish the responsibility of the Israeli government to take its own measures against the violence.