The United States has announced new sanctions against an Israeli non-governmental organization and several settlers following a recent surge in violence in the West Bank, according to US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Wednesday.
Miller emphasized the need for Israel to “hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence,” revealing that the US is sanctioning Hashomer Yosh, an organization accused of providing material resources and support to the US-designated Meitarim Farm outpost. The sanctions also target individuals Yinon Levi, Neriya Ben Pazi, and Zvi Bar Yosef, whom Miller linked to extremist activities.
“Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel’s security, and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region,” Miller stated.
Hashomer Yosh, founded in 2013, claims on its website that its mission is to support farmers in the West Bank by providing security, manpower, and necessary agricultural and security equipment. The organization has now been designated under section 1(a)(iii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14115 for allegedly providing support to individuals and entities already blocked under the same order.
In addition to Hashomer Yosh, the State Department has sanctioned Yitzak Levy Filant, the security coordinator for the Yitzhar settlement in the West Bank. Miller asserted that Filant engaged in “malign activities” beyond his security role, leading to his designation under E.O. 14115 for his involvement in planning and executing acts of violence targeting civilians in the West Bank.