By Blessing Chinagorom
The United States through the Department of State has imposed financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals/individuals connected to violence against civilians in the West Bank.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who made this known in a statement released on Thursday said the United States consistently opposed actions that undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
“This includes attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and Palestinian attacks against Israelis. There is no justification for extremist violence against civilians, whatever their national origin, ethnicity, or religion.
“The United States is today implementing a series of measures to address such actions in the West Bank and impose accountability for those responsible for them”, the Secretary added.
He further said that these designations have been imposed under a new Executive Order establishing U.S. authority to issue financial sanctions against those directing.
And participating in acts or threats of violence against civilians, intimidation of civilians to cause them to leave their homes, destruction or seizure of property, or terrorist activity in the West Bank.
Blinken noted that Israel must do more to stop violence against civilians in the West Bank and hold accountable those responsible for it.
“The United States will continue to take actions to advance foreign policy objectives of the United States, including the viability of a two-state solution, and is committed to the safety, security, and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians alike”, he said.
Sanctions Implications: As a result of today’s action, and in accordance with the new E.O., all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Additionally, all entities that are owned, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are blocked while transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the US that involve property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt.
These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Additionally, the entry of designated individuals into the United States is suspended pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 8693.
Meanwhile, this new E.O. authorizes the imposition of sanctions on any foreign person determined to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions.
Which includes directing, enacting, implementing, enforcing, or failing to enforce policies – that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the West Bank, as well as other specified harmful activities.
