Democrats Urge Biden to Sanction Israeli Ministers

Nearly 90 Democratic lawmakers have urged President Biden to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their roles in fostering settler violence and undermining the Palestinian Authority. The letter highlights the ministers' actions that facilitate annexation and destabilize the West Bank, calling for sanctions on pro-settlement organizations as well. The Biden administration is reportedly considering unprecedented sanctions against Ben-Gvir, which would mark the first instance of the U.S. sanctioning a sitting Israeli cabinet member, amidst concerns over his controversial statements regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza. State Department officials hope these measures could inspire similar actions from other nations if enacted. While Biden has previously sanctioned individual settlers, the proposed actions against cabinet officials would represent a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward Israeli leadership. The Democrats' appeal occurs during a politically sensitive period before the potential return of a Trump administration, which may favor the ministers' policies.