The Biden administration is taking significant steps to address concerns regarding Israel’s actions in the West Bank, with implications for both Israeli settlers and Palestinian Americans. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of plans to impose visa bans on Israeli settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians. This move, confirmed by a US official to AFP and first mentioned in a Washington Post op-ed by President Joe Biden, aims to deter violence without publicly naming the individuals affected.
The visa ban, expected to be announced as early as next week, underscores the US’s increasing involvement in addressing tensions in the region. Blinken, during a press conference, emphasized the need for the Israeli government to take action against these violent incidents and hinted at further steps by the US government. Similarly, France’s foreign ministry spokesperson suggested that the European Union consider similar sanctions.
In a parallel development, the Biden administration warned Israel that it is breaching the terms of the visa waiver agreement with the US. This agreement, facilitated by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, allowed Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program under certain conditions, including eased restrictions for Palestinian Americans living in the West Bank and Gaza. However, following a Hamas attack on October 7, Israel imposed restrictions that barred entry for these Palestinian Americans, impacting tens of thousands and potentially violating the agreement’s terms.
The US has expressed concerns through its newly-confirmed Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, who met with Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. While Hanegbi attributed the closure to security reasons, Lew emphasized the necessity of adhering to the agreement. The State Department has not commented, but a US official indicated that Israel might lose its visa waiver privileges if a solution is not found soon.
These developments represent a firm stance by the Biden administration on maintaining peace and security in the region, balancing diplomatic relationships with Israel while addressing human rights concerns in the West Bank.
