Trump Administration Considers Sanctions on Israeli Units, Officers Over Settler Violence

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering sanctions against Israeli military units and officers involved in "unusual targeting" of Palestinians in the West Bank. These potential measures, which could include prohibiting certain units from using U.S.-made weapons in specific areas, are being discussed following the Israeli elections on October 27 and the U.S. midterm congressional elections a week later. The U.S. administration has also warned it may blacklist Israeli army and police officers who have permitted settler "terrorist" attacks, potentially severing ties with them.

A "strong American warning" was recently conveyed to Israeli security services amid growing anger over settler violence, exceeding criticism previously voiced by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Trump administration officials are monitoring reports of settler assaults on Palestinians, acknowledging that these settlers are not merely "weeds" as described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.S. officials believe Israeli security forces, including the army, police, Shin Bet, and the Civil Administration, are complicit in settler violence through inaction or active participation in ethnic cleansing, violent attacks, and seizure of private Palestinian land. Washington is aware that settler violence, supported by figures like Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Israeli security forces, has escalated to create facts on the ground before elections. The U.S. has cautioned its Israeli counterparts about consequences that could endanger the entire settlement enterprise.

Separately, the article notes international media coverage of destruction in Gaza, with "Google Earth" satellite imagery showing extensive demolition by the Israeli military. The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution requiring a report on Israeli human rights violations in the West Bank, while U.S. public opinion polls indicate declining support for Israel. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has called for increased European sanctions against settlements, and Dutch authorities at Amsterdam airport have been inspecting luggage of travelers from Israel to prevent the entry of settlement products.