The European Union and the US sanction Israeli settlers for violent acts against Palestinians in the West Bank

He European Council has given the green light for it first sanctions against Israeli settlers responsible for acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, specifically against four individuals and two entities. The decision agreement other sanctions issued by the Administration of USA against two Israeli entities that raised money for two settlers involved in riots and attacks in the West Bank. One of these people, Yinon Levi, is also among those sanctioned by Europe.

The European Union sanctions are characterized by agreement with the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime, ‘by being held responsible for serious violations of Palestinian human rightsincluding torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” The EU also believes that they are guilty of violating the right to property and to the private and family life of Palestinians in the West Bank.

The entities are sanctioned Lehava (radical right-wing Jewish supremacist group) and Hilltop Youth (radical youth group formed by members known for their violent acts against Palestinians and their villages in the West Bank). Exactly two of the people individually sanctioned, Meir Ettinger And Elisha Yered They were members of the latter group and were both involved in deadly attacks on Palestinians in 2015 and 2023.

Today’s designations also include Neria Ben Paziaccused of repeatedly attacking Palestinians in the towns of Wadi Seeq and Deir Jarir since 2021, though Yinon Leviwho has taken part in several violent actions against neighboring towns from his residence in the illegal settlement of Mitarim.

With today’s inclusions in the black listto which the restrictive measures of the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime now apply 108 natural and legal persons already 28 entities from various countries.

The persons who fall under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freezeand it is Providing money or economic resources is prohibiteddirectly or indirectly, to them or on their behalf.

Furthermore, a EU travel ban to the natural persons on the list.

The US sanctions Israeli entities for violence

Also USA released this Friday sanctions in return for two Israeli entities that raised money in favor of two settlers involved riots and attacks in the West Bank, offenses for which they were punished last February. In particular, the organizations delivered material and financial support and set up fundraising campaigns Yinon Levi (also approved by the EU) and David Chai Chasdai“Such acts undermine peace, security and stability in the West Bank. We will continue to use our tools to hold those responsible accountable,” Deputy Finance Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.

Both entities sanctioned, Mount Hebron Fund (for Levi) And Shlom Asiraich (for Chasdai)raised the equivalent of 131,000 and 29,000 euros respectively, before the campaigns were removed from the internet and the money was held by local financial institutions.

According to US authorities, both individuals led groups of violent extremists who attempted to “sow fear among the people of the West Bank by attacking civilians, threatening them with more violence if they did not leave their homes, setting fire to their fields and destroy their property. “

In addition, US authorities have targeted Ben-Zion Gopstein, the founder and leader of an organization whose members have committed acts of violence, including attacks on Palestinian civilians.

The measures adopted by the US government involve the freezing of the assets found on its territory of the sanctioned persons and prohibit all transactions carried out by Americans or on US territory involving these sanctioned persons.