WASHINGTON – In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order targeting violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This action is aimed at addressing the instability in the region and is likely to be announced soon, according to reports from CNN.
The executive order is expected to penalize individuals who have engaged in violent activities in the West Bank. President Biden has previously denounced these violent attacks and has raised the issue directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast on Capitol Hill, President Biden acknowledged the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians, expressing understanding for the pain and passion felt by people in America and around the world. The president emphasized the value of every life affected by the conflict, expressing prayers and support for those living in dire circumstances.
The order will specifically target individuals accused of committing acts of violence or intimidation in the West Bank, including those who have incited and led riots, set fire to property, and attacked people. It will restrict Americans from providing financial support to these individuals and prohibit their property and financial transactions within the United States.
The surge in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank following the Hamas attack on Israel has heightened tensions in the region. The Israeli military commander over the West Bank described the violence as a “pogrom” after hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed through a West Bank hamlet in February. This escalation in violence has resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians.
President Biden’s administration is also reportedly focusing on a new policy that aims to expedite the establishment of a demilitarized and viable Palestinian state. This policy would involve some form of U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, contingent upon the development of credible institutions and security capabilities by the Palestinians to ensure the state’s viability and non-threatening nature towards Israel.
The White House has consulted with experts inside and outside the government regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood, signaling a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, President Biden’s efforts to address the violence in the West Bank and push for a demilitarized Palestine reflect a broader initiative to bring stability and peace to the region.