Photo: “Amana.
On Monday, President Joe Biden’s administration announced the expansion of sanctions against Israeli settlers, adding the largest settlement organisation, Amana, to the sanctions list. Founded in 1979, the organisation is engaged in the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, particularly in the West Bank. It is headed by Zeev Haver, a well-known veteran of the settlement movement. The information was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to Israelinfo.
“Amana seeks to significantly increase the Jewish population in the West Bank to one million people. The organisation also owns a subsidiary commercial company, Binyanei Bar Amana, which is actively engaged in the construction of new housing units in Israeli settlements. This step was part of the US strategy to increase pressure on the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories, which has been criticised by the international community.
Sanctions as part of the US strategy
President Biden’s recently signed executive order on sanctions against Israeli individuals and organisations is a key milestone in the implementation of US policy to combat violence and human rights violations in the West Bank. In February 2024, the US president announced that violence by extremist settlers, as well as forced displacement and destruction of property, threatened stability and security in the region. On the basis of this decree, the US State Department began to sanction individuals and organisations that contribute to the further escalation of the conflict.
Economic pressure on Israeli settlers
US sanctions have a serious impact on the financial activities of the organisation and its members. Israeli banks have begun to block accounts of sanctioned persons, which complicates their financial activities and business. At the same time, the Bank of Israel warned that violation of international sanctions could lead to serious consequences for the Israeli banking system and threaten the country’s economy.
Reactions of religious Zionist parties and the political context
In response to these sanctions, religious Zionist parties in Israel are trying to change the situation by obliging banks to serve customers who have been subject to international restrictions. On Sunday, a bill was introduced to make it mandatory for banks to serve such individuals, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to put the bill to a vote, suggesting that the decision be postponed until the end of January 2024 to wait for the inauguration of the new US president, Donald Trump.
International pressure and US support
The move was an important part of a broader international campaign against Israeli settlements, which has been joined by other Western countries. The United States, along with the European Union and other countries, is taking steps to stop the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories. This step was supported by the international community, which views the settlements as a serious violation of international law.
Perspectives on the political situation
Further sanctions and international pressure are expected to force Israel to reconsider its settlement policy. However, the country’s internal politics, in particular the position of religious Zionist parties, may delay or complicate the implementation of changes. Events in the United States will also have a significant impact on the situation, and much will depend on the future administration of President Trump, which may change its approach to these issues.
