In an effort to curb escalating settler violence in the West Bank, the United States has announced new sanctions against extremist settlers who are funded by the Israeli government. The move has drawn a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who views the measures with utmost severity and is engaged in pointed discussions with Washington regarding the issue.

The sanctions specifically target an organization and an individual with a long history of intimidating Palestinians and attempting to seize their land. Designated as "specially designated nationals" by the US Treasury, their assets are now blocked, and US citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in any dealings with them.

One of the primary targets of the sanctions is Hashomer Yosh, a group that provides security for illegal settler outposts, some of which have already been sanctioned by the US. Their activities in the south Hebron hills, where Israeli settler violence against Bedouin inhabitants has been prevalent, have been of particular concern.

The recent forced eviction of 250 Palestinian residents from the village of Khirbet Zanuta further exemplifies the actions of Hashomer Yosh. Following the eviction, the group fenced off the village in an attempt to prevent the residents from returning, as confirmed by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement.

Despite being an officially recognized non-government organization, Hashomer Yosh has received funding and support from Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition in recent years. Their involvement in intimidating Palestinians and seizing land has made them a target for US sanctions.

The other individual targeted by the US sanctions is Yitzhak Levi Filant, the security coordinator at the Yitzhar settlement. Like other settler security coordinators, Filant receives a salary directly from the Israeli defense ministry. In February 2024, he led a group of armed settlers to set up roadblocks, conduct patrols, and forcibly expel Palestinians from their lands.

Netanyahu's office responded critically to the sanctions, emphasizing Israel's view of the severity of imposing sanctions on its citizens. It is clear that discussions between Israel and the US on this matter are ongoing.

With these new sanctions in place, it will become increasingly challenging for the Israeli government to continue funding Hashomer Yosh or paying Filant without violating US sanctions. Moreover, the direct funding from right-wing supporters in the US will be cut off.

The imposition of these sanctions reflects the growing frustration within the Biden administration regarding the Netanyahu government's inability to contain settler violence. This frustration is not limited to Washington, as evidenced by a letter from the head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency, Ronen Bar, warning Netanyahu and his ministers that violence by extremist settler groups constitutes terrorism and poses a severe national security threat.

Interestingly, the announcement of the US sanctions coincided with Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raids against Palestinian militants in the West Bank. It was argued by Bar that the surge in settler violence since the beginning of the Gaza war in October last year has contributed to Palestinian radicalization.

By targeting extremist settlers, the US aims to promote accountability and curtail the spread of violence in the West Bank. The state department's statement affirms that further actions will be taken to address those who commit and support such extremist violence.

As the discussions between Israel and the US continue, the impact of these sanctions on settler violence and the broader conflict in the West Bank remains to be seen. However, the US government's resolve to address and mitigate these issues remains steadfast.