The United States has consistently opposed actions that undermine stability in the West Bank, including attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and Palestinian attacks against Israelis. We have stressed to the Israeli government the need to do more to hold accountable extremist settlers who have carried out violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. As President Biden has said repeatedly, these attacks are unacceptable. Last week in Israel, I made clear that the United States is prepared to take action using our own authorities.
Today, the State Department is implementing a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including by committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities. Immediate family members of such individuals may also be subject to such restrictions.
We will continue to seek accountability for all acts of violence against civilians in the West Bank, regardless of the perpetrator or the victim. We will also continue to engage with the Israeli leadership to make clear that Israel must take additional measures to protect Palestinian civilians from extremist attacks. We will also continue to engage with the Palestinian Authority to make clear that it must do more to curb Palestinian attacks against Israelis. Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have a responsibility to maintain stability in the West Bank. Instability in the West Bank harms both the Israeli and Palestinian people and threatens Israel’s national security interests. Those responsible must be held to account.
