US sanctions Israeli companies for occupied West Bank settlement expansion

The Biden administration announced sanctions against three Israeli private companies and individuals involved in settlement construction in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

This marks the first time the U.S. has targeted Israeli private building companies in its efforts to curb settlement expansion.

Israeli companies targeted for settlement activity

Organizations sanctioned by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) include:

• Amana: The largest organization driving settlement and illegal outpost construction.
• Binyanei Bar Amena and Eyal Hari Yehuda: Construction companies actively participating in settlement expansion.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the role of these firms in the dispossession of Palestinian land, urging the Israeli government to address violence, forced displacement, and land appropriation.

Today the U.S. imposed sanctions on six targets for violence against civilians and destruction and dispossession of property in the West Bank. The U.S. urges Israel to take action against those causing human suffering and undermining peace in the region.

— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) November 18, 2024

Individuals sanctioned

The sanctions also target three individuals:

• Shabtai Koshlevsky: Involved with the Hashomer Yosh organization, previously sanctioned.
• Itamar Yehuda Levi: Key player in Eyal Hari Yehuda’s operations.
• Zohar Sabah: Accused of threats and acts of violence against Palestinians.

Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli nongovernmental organization provides material support to the U.S.-designated outpost Meitarim Farm, and U.S.-designated individuals Yinon Levi, Neriya Ben Pazi and Zvi Bar Yosef.

After all 250 Palestinian residents of Khirbet Zanuta were forced to leave in late January, Hashomer Yosh volunteers fenced off the village to prevent the local residents from returning. The Israeli volunteers also provided support by grazing the herds and purporting to “guard” the outposts of U.S.-designated individuals.

The Treasury Department allowed a grace period for financial transactions with the sanctioned companies, ending on Jan. 10, just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

This measure ensures existing obligations, such as debts, can be settled before sanctions fully take effect.