Rep. Summer Lee and Senator Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Codify U.S. Sanctions Against Persons Enacting Violence in West Bank 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov
Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee and Senator Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Codify U.S. Sanctions Against Persons Enacting Violence in West Bank 

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, a bicameral bill that codifies President Biden’s February 2024 Executive Order imposing sanctions on individuals undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. This legislation permanently establishes the tools to hold accountable those engaging in violence, intimidation, or destabilizing actions in the region, reflecting the United States’ unwavering commitment to human rights and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.

“This bill is about accountability, justice, and ensuring that U.S. policy stands firmly against extremist violence and destabilization,” said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). “The surge in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is a humanitarian and moral crisis. By codifying these sanctions, we are making clear that the U.S. supports peace and dignity for all people living in the region.”

 “Growing settler violence in the West Bank harms civilians, jeopardizes regional stability, and is a serious threat to U.S. national security. President Biden’s Executive Order has been crucial in addressing the Netanyahu government’s failure to take action against those who instigate heinous acts of fear and hate, and it should become statute,” said Senator Welch. “Sanctions have been an effective tool to deter violence in this deadly year for those living in the West Bank, where lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and families have been forever changed. We must ensure accountability for extremists who perpetrate violence against civilians in the West Bank and reaffirm our commitment to a lasting Middle East peace.” 

“We have seen a series of cascading crises following the October 7 attack—with widespread suffering among Israelis, Palestinians, and too many others in the region. Amid the ongoing war that needs to end, I have been troubled by the pursuit of some in Netanyahu’s government of extremist policies in the West Bank and agreed with President Biden’s executive order sanctioning those involved in such actions. That’s why I joined my colleagues today to introduce legislation that would codify these sanctions and ensure they remain an effective tool to deter violence in the West Bank. We have a responsibility in the United States for a renewed push on all sides towards peace, one in which Israeli and Palestinian children can once and forever live in safety, peace, and dignity,” said Senator Durbin. 

“The current extreme right-wing Israeli government has driven record illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and armed extremist settlers who, with Israeli security forces, have killed more than 700 people in the last year, including three Americans. Enough is enough – the United States must sanction those responsible for this illegal violence,” said Senator Sanders. 

“Extremist violence in the West Bank not only violates basic human rights but also undermines a two-state solution and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The targeting of Palestinian communities, destruction of property, and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable and must end immediately,” said Senator Reed. 

“This bill will help hold perpetrators accountable and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. The Netanyahu Government’s rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and its complicity in increased settler violence against Palestinians, undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects for achieving a two-state solution. This legislation will strengthen the U.S. government’s ability to hold accountable those who are fueling this illegal activity – and use the leverage we have to help preserve a path to peace, security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said Senator Van Hollen. 

“Extremist violence in the West Bank undermines the hope for a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” said Senator Merkley. “The United States must use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to stop these unacceptable attacks against Palestinian civilians and villages. I call on this administration and future administrations to follow through with established policies, and to use U.S. influence to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and a two-state solution.” 

“Civilians should be protected from violence and intimidation, but we’re seeing it happen against Palestinians in the West Bank in droves – including destruction of property, arson, assault, and Palestinians being forced from their homes,” said Congressman Andre Carson (IN-07). “Peace is possible only if we address this extremist settler violence. The U.S. can and should use sanctions to advance security and stability in the West Bank.”

Cosponsors:

House: Mark Pocan (D-WI-02); Betty McCollum (D-MN-04); Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18); Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02); Al Green (D-TX-09); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09); Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51); Jim McGovern (D-MA-02); André Carson (D-IN-07) 

Senate: Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) 

Endorsements:

American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Human Rights Watch, J Street, New Jewish Narrative,  Peace Action, Quincy Institute

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Key Provisions of the West Bank STABILITY Act:

• Codifies Executive Order 14115: Permanently authorizes sanctions targeting individuals responsible for acts of violence, property destruction, or other destabilizing activities in the West Bank, ensuring long-term accountability.
• Establishes Comprehensive Sanctions: Freezes U.S.-based assets, blocks financial transactions, and denies U.S. entry for designated individuals engaged in violence or human rights violations.

Background:

The West Bank STABILITY Act builds on President Biden’s February 2024 Executive Order 14115, which authorized the U.S. Treasury Department to impose sanctions against individuals undermining peace and stability in the West Bank. The executive order addressed a sharp rise in violence, including property destruction, forced displacement, and civilian assaults.

In 2023, settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank reached the highest levels since the United Nations began tracking the data in 2006. Following the Hamas-led October 7, the situation has further escalated, with increasing reports of arson, home demolitions, and intimidation tactics targeting Palestinians.

This legislation ensures that U.S. policy remains a force for stability and justice in the region by holding individuals accountable for violent and destabilizing actions. It reflects the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting peace, security, and dignity for all.