Democrats Urge Biden to Sanction Israeli Officials Over West Bank Violence

In an unprecedented move, nearly 90 Democratic lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, citing a surge in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The lawmakers’ demand, laid out in a strongly worded letter, signals growing frustration within the Democratic Party over Israel’s policies in the occupied territories.
The letter, signed by 17 senators and 71 members of the House of Representatives, was spearheaded by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Sean Casten. It was dated October 29 but was only made public this Thursday after the White House did not respond, according to congressional sources.
“We are deeply concerned about the rise in settler violence, continued settlement expansion, and measures that weaken the Palestinian Authority and destabilize the West Bank,” the lawmakers wrote. They urged Biden to use his executive powers to sanction Israeli officials, specifically targeting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whom they accuse of inciting violence against Palestinians.
Allegations of Incitement and Violence
The letter highlights over 1,270 recorded attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank this year, averaging more than three violent incidents per day. The lawmakers argue that imposing sanctions would send a clear message to Israel, the Palestinians, and the U.S.’s global allies that the Biden administration is committed to holding its partners accountable for human rights violations.
Senator Van Hollen emphasized that the U.S. cannot be seen as a “rubber stamp” for Netanyahu’s government, which has grown increasingly hardline in its approach toward the Palestinian territories. “It’s more important than ever that President Biden demonstrates the U.S. will push back against extreme actions that undermine peace,” he said.
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Biden’s Dilemma
The Biden administration, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution, has been trying to balance its longstanding alliance with Israel against rising calls within the Democratic Party to take a tougher stance on human rights issues. However, as of Thursday, there has been no official response from the White House or the Israeli embassy regarding the letter.
The lawmakers leading the push believe that existing executive orders give Biden the authority to sanction individuals responsible for human rights abuses. This move would align with Biden’s stated commitment to promoting democracy and human rights globally.
Israeli Officials and the Trump Factor
The call for sanctions comes at a time when Netanyahu’s far-right government is emboldened by the re-election of Donald Trump. Finance Minister Smotrich recently declared that he hopes to gain Washington’s support for Israel’s sovereignty extension into the West Bank by 2025, leveraging Trump’s anticipated policies.
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich have both been vocal supporters of expanding settlements, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Most world powers deem Israel’s settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this, citing historical ties to the land and security concerns.
Impact on U.S.-Israel Relations
If Biden were to heed the calls for sanctions, it would represent a significant departure from decades of U.S. policy, potentially straining the special relationship with Israel. This letter underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party, where progressive voices are increasingly challenging unconditional support for Israel in light of perceived injustices against Palestinians.
The move also adds another layer of complexity to the Biden administration’s Middle East policy, especially as Netanyahu’s government intensifies its efforts to alter the status quo in the occupied territories.
Whether Biden will act on this request remains uncertain, but the letter puts pressure on his administration to clarify its stance amid ongoing violence in the West Bank. As the political landscape in the U.S. shifts ahead of the 2024 elections, this issue is likely to become a focal point of debate within both parties.
International and Regional Repercussions
The Democrats’ call for sanctions is being closely monitored by international observers and regional players. Palestinian officials have welcomed the push, seeing it as a potential turning point in U.S. policy that could curb Israel’s aggressive expansion in the West Bank. “This is the kind of accountability we’ve been demanding for years,” a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority commented, expressing hope that U.S. pressure could deter further settlement growth.
However, Israeli officials have responded with defiance. Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement affairs, dismissed the letter as “misguided interference” in Israel’s internal policies. “We will not be deterred by threats or sanctions from pursuing what we believe is our rightful claim to these lands,” he said in a statement.
The potential for sanctions has alarmed pro-Israel groups in the U.S., who argue that penalizing Israeli officials could embolden extremist elements in the region and harm U.S.-Israel relations. “Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East. Sanctions would not only weaken that bond but also destabilize an already volatile region,” said a spokesperson for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The Growing Divide Within the Democratic Party
The letter illustrates a deepening rift within the Democratic Party over how to handle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While President Biden has remained committed to a traditional, pro-Israel stance, progressive lawmakers are increasingly vocal in their criticism of the Netanyahu government’s actions. Figures like Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar have previously criticized the administration for what they see as a lack of accountability for Israeli policies that harm Palestinians.
This internal pressure could have significant implications for the Democratic Party’s foreign policy platform heading into the 2024 presidential election. Progressives see this as a critical moment to reshape U.S. policy toward a more balanced approach that prioritizes human rights. On the other hand, centrist Democrats worry that alienating Israel could weaken the party’s appeal to moderate voters who view the U.S.-Israel alliance as crucial.
What’s Next for the Biden Administration?
The Biden administration now faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, ignoring the letter could alienate progressive voters and activists who are pushing for a more assertive stance on human rights. On the other, imposing sanctions on Israel could trigger a diplomatic backlash, not only from Netanyahu’s government but also from influential pro-Israel lobbies in Washington.
As the Biden administration grapples with how to respond, the issue could complicate efforts to broker new diplomatic deals in the Middle East. The U.S. has been working behind the scenes to expand the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. Any move to sanction Israeli officials could jeopardize these efforts, especially if Israel perceives it as a betrayal by its most powerful ally.
White House officials have so far been tight-lipped about their next steps, but insiders suggest that Biden may opt for a middle-ground approach—potentially increasing diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu without resorting to formal sanctions.
Broader Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
The letter also reflects a broader shift in how the U.S. engages with allies around the world. Under the Biden administration, there has been a renewed focus on promoting human rights, even if it means re-evaluating long-standing alliances. However, critics argue that selective pressure—targeting some countries while overlooking the actions of others—could undermine U.S. credibility on the global stage.
If Biden decides to take a tougher stance on Israel, it could set a precedent for how the U.S. deals with other allies engaged in controversial actions, such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt. It would also send a signal to the world that the U.S. is willing to prioritize human rights over strategic alliances, even with partners as close as Israel.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S.-Israel Relations
As pressure mounts on the Biden administration, the coming weeks will likely determine the future trajectory of U.S.-Israel relations. The decision to impose—or refrain from—sanctions will not only affect the stability of the West Bank but could also shape the political landscape in Washington ahead of the 2024 elections.
For now, all eyes are on Biden to see whether he will heed the call of nearly 90 members of his party or stick to a more cautious approach that prioritizes traditional diplomatic ties. Either way, the stakes are high, and the outcome could redefine America’s role in the Middle East for years to come.