President Biden has reaffirmed the United States' strong support for Israel's right to self-defense following the terrorist attacks on October 7. In response, the U.S. has implemented measures to prevent Hamas from accessing international financial systems, issuing five rounds of sanctions against the group since the attack.
Biden also expressed concern over escalating violence in the West Bank, particularly extremist settler violence, which reached unprecedented levels in 2023. This violence threatens peace and stability in the region and poses risks to U.S. national security interests.
In a recent move, President Biden signed an Executive Order introducing new measures aimed at addressing actions that undermine peace and stability in the West Bank. The order enables financial sanctions against individuals involved in acts or threats of violence against civilians, intimidation leading to displacement, property destruction or seizure, or terrorist activities in the area.
The State Department is set to announce initial designations under this new Executive Order as part of efforts to enhance peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.