US House Democrats Propose Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

Six Democratic members of the US Congress are set to introduce the "Stop the Settlements Act," a bill that would impose sanctions on any non-American individual involved in establishing new settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza. The proposed sanctions include asset freezes, visa revocations, and entry bans into the United States. This initiative, gaining support from 40 Democratic lawmakers, including prominent figures, marks a significant escalation from previous US policies concerning Israeli settlements.

The bill's scope extends beyond individual settlers to include Israeli ministers and potentially the Prime Minister. It also proposes a move from merely labeling products from the West Bank to a full boycott, a policy stricter than that adopted by European nations. Mandatory sanctions would apply to those involved in building new settlements, expanding existing ones, constructing in the E1 area, or facilitating the transfer of civilians to settlements.

While the bill exempts American citizens, including those with dual Israeli-American citizenship, and does not explicitly define "settlement" or mention East Jerusalem, the President would determine the list of prohibited locations. The bill is unlikely to pass the current House of Representatives due to the Republican majority and the Trump administration.

However, proponents believe the bill's passage is a matter of when, not if, citing growing bipartisan support and the potential for it to advance in a future Congress. A senior Democratic official suggested that the ability of Democratic leaders to block the bill depends on the continuation of the current Israeli coalition government, implying that its passage could be expedited if the coalition remains in power.