Last Friday, the United States imposed sanctions on two Israeli entities that were raising funds for two settlers involved in riots and attacks in the West Bank. These individuals had previously been sanctioned in February for their violent actions. The organizations provided material and financial support, as well as established fundraising campaigns for Yinon Levi and David Chai Chasdai, who were labeled as “violent extremists” responsible for destruction of property, attacks on civilians, and violence against Palestinians, according to the US Treasury Department.
The Treasury Undersecretary, Wally Adeyemo, stated that such acts undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, and reiterated the US commitment to holding accountable those responsible for such actions. The two sanctioned entities, Mount Hebron Fund for Levi and Shlom Asiraich for Chasdai, raised significant amounts before their campaigns were removed from the internet and the funds were retained by local financial institutions.
US authorities also targeted Ben-Zion Gopstein, the founder and leader of an organization whose members have committed acts of violence against Palestinian civilians. The measures imposed by the US freeze the assets of these sanctioned individuals in US territories and prohibit any transactions involving them by Americans or on US soil.
These actions were taken to address the ongoing violence and threats in the West Bank and to deter further destabilization in the region. The US continues to use its tools to ensure accountability for those engaging in violent and extremist behavior.