US Sanctions Israeli Settlers Accused of Fueling West Bank Violence
The State and Treasury departments announced new sanctions on Nov. 18, targeting Israeli settler activists accused of perpetuating violence in the disputed West Bank.
The State Department named Itamar Yehuda Levi, Shabtai Koshlevsky, and Zohar Sabah as the three individuals.
The State Department identified Levi as the owner of Eyal Hari Yehuda Co., a firm accused of assisting in the expansion of various Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including the U.S.-sanctioned Meitarim Farm project. The company is also accused of supporting other entities previously sanctioned by the United States. As of Nov. 18, Eyal Hari Yehuda Co. is facing new U.S. sanctions designations.
The State Department said Sabah has targeted Palestinians and Palestinian homes in the West Bank with violence and destruction. Sabah was also allegedly involved in a settler attack on the Al-Ka'abneh Elementary School in Jericho, in the West Bank, in September. Several Palestinians at the school were injured.
The Treasury Department said Amana maintains ties to various individuals whom the U.S. government has previously sanctioned for engaging in violence in the West Bank.
"The settlers and farms that Amana supports play a key role in developing settlements in the West Bank, from which, in turn, settlers commit violence. More broadly, Amana strategically uses farming outposts, which it supports through financing, loans, and building infrastructure, to expand settlements and seize land," the Treasury Department stated.
The Epoch Times reached out to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank have been a longstanding point of contention in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with opponents arguing these settlements increasingly encroach on territory claimed by the Palestinian people and undermine efforts at a two-state solution.
Some Israeli settler activists have signaled hope that Trump's return will bolster their efforts to claim territory in the West Bank.
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