U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order that will target Israeli settlers in the West Bank to prevent them from attacking Palestinians.
This was claimed by four individuals who said that they were familiar with the effort. One of them is a senior Biden Administration official, who spoke in condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment about it publicly.
The official claimed that the White House will announce the new executive order on Thursday, Feb. 2. Here are other things you need to know about this directive.
Joe Biden Targets West Bank Israeli Settlers With New Executive Order
According to The Associated Press' latest report, the executive order is a very rare move from the U.S. government against its closest ally in the Middle East.
The executive order's arrival was revealed as the American leader is being pressured by other countries to encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to put restraints on their military operations.
Because of this, the U.S. president has been making efforts to encourage Israel to protect the lives of Palestinian civilians. In October 2023, Biden said that he would ensure that Israeli settlers in the West Bank who are attacking Palestinians will be held accountable.
"It has to stop. They have to be held accountable. It has to stop now," said the American leader.
His comments came after the Israel Defense Forces began increasing its military operations across the West Bank after the war against Hamas officially began.
But, since most Hamas terrorists are operating underground, the military operations of Israeli forces are mainly affecting Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
How Will Biden's Executive Order Protect Palestinians?
Sources claimed that the new executive order could impose sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank who are attacking Palestinians.
Yahoo News reported that based on past patterns, the new sanctions under the upcoming executive order will likely be more punishing.
Sanctions could include financial asset freezes against Israeli Settlers who are violent with Palestinians. These sanctions are expected to be imposed by the Treasury Department.
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. However, it is unclear if they discussed the new executive order.
