The Treasury Department recently announced sanctions against two entities accused of raising funds for extremist Israeli-occupied West Bank settlers who have been involved in violence against Palestinians. Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich were found to have generated tens of thousands of dollars for extremists responsible for destroying property and assaulting civilians. The sanctions are aimed at blocking them from using the U.S. financial system and preventing American citizens from engaging with them. Additionally, the founder of Lehava, an organization whose members regularly attack Palestinians, has also been designated by the State Department. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for violence in the West Bank accountable.
The sanctions were imposed on Mount Hebron Fund for its fundraising efforts for settler Yinon Levi and Shlom Asiraich’s support of David Chai Chasdai, both of whom had previously been sanctioned. Levi is accused of leading settlers in multiple attacks against Palestinian and Bedouin civilians, including burning fields and destroying property, while Chasdai allegedly led a riot resulting in the death of a Palestinian civilian. The fundraising campaigns established by these entities generated significant amounts of money, totaling $140,000 for Levi and $31,000 for Chasdai, according to the U.S. Treasury. These actions are seen as essential in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank amid escalating violence.
The announcement of sanctions comes at a time when the West Bank is experiencing heightened violence from extremist settlers targeting Palestinians. This surge in violence coincides with tensions between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has reacted negatively to previous sanctions imposed on West Bank settlers. The U.S. remains committed to using all available tools to address and deter activities that undermine peace and security in the region. The actions taken against Mount Hebron Fund, Shlom Asiraich, and Lehava founder Ben-Zion Gopstein are intended to hold those responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank accountable.
In February, President Biden issued an executive order targeting Israeli settlers in the West Bank who have been involved in attacks against Palestinians and Israeli peace activists. The sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department and the State Department’s designation of Lehava’s founder reaffirm the commitment to address and deter violence in the region. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo emphasized the importance of holding accountable those organizations and individuals undermining peace and security in the West Bank. These measures follow a series of efforts to sanction and deter extremist activities in the region, demonstrating a continued commitment to promoting stability and security in the West Bank.
