Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden has signed an executive order specifically targeting Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians in the West Bank. The order is in line with the Biden administration’s commitment to a two-state solution as part of efforts to restore U.S. relations with the Palestinian Authority.
The new executive order directs the State Department to regularly update a list of individuals or organizations responsible for violent attacks on Palestinians. This list will be utilized to determine whether any U.S. aid should be withheld from those involved, a significant departure from the previous administration’s policy.
The move is also a clear signal of the Biden administration’s intention to hold Israeli settlers accountable for their actions in the West Bank, a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The executive order serves as a departure from the Trump administration’s policies, which were more supportive of Israeli settlements in the area.
The decision has garnered mixed reactions, with supporters of Israel expressing concern that it may unfairly target Israeli settlers. On the other hand, it has been welcomed by Palestinians and their allies, who see it as an important step towards addressing the ongoing violence and human rights violations in the region.
The administration has emphasized that the executive order is not meant to be punitive, but rather to uphold international law and support efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also aligns with the administration’s broader commitment to promoting human rights and democratic values in its foreign policy approach.
This executive order is a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, signaling the Biden administration’s willingness to take a more assertive stance in addressing the longstanding issue. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the dynamics of the conflict and the broader efforts to revive peace negotiations in the region.