US Won't 'Hesitate' to Issue More Sanctions for West Bank Violence, Official Says

The U.S. called on Israel to do more to prevent its citizens from attacking Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, saying the U.S. may impose more sanctions against perpetrators.

The U.S. is urging Israel “to do everything in its power to prevent these attacks in the first place and, when they’re not prevented, to hold those responsible accountable,” a State Department spokesperson told reporters June 3. The U.S. has “made clear that we are willing to take our own actions to hold people accountable,” the person added. “You’ve seen us impose visa restrictions and economic sanctions on individuals and entities who perpetrate or support violence in the West Bank, and we will not hesitate to continue to do so.”

The Biden administration has issued several round of sanctions against Israelis for violent acts against Palestinians in the region (see 2403140019), but some lawmakers have called on the Biden administration to impose more (see 2405170030).