Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The US Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a written statement that the US opposes actions that undermine hopes for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank. The statement said that sanctions were imposed on three Israeli individuals and five organizations due to their links to violent acts, and that one of these organizations was an organization called Lehava, which is involved in violent extremist acts.
The statement noted that members of the Lehava organization frequently carried out violent acts aimed at displacing Palestinians, and added that four illegal points used to destroy Palestinians’ agricultural and grazing lands, restrict access to water resources, and attack their homes were also added to the sanctions list.
Continuation of the Explanation
“The United States remains deeply concerned about the extreme violence and instability in the West Bank that undermines Israel’s security.”The statement called on the Israeli government to take urgent and strong steps to hold the individuals and institutions involved accountable.
Israel’s Situation in the Palestinian Territories
There are 451,000 Israelis in the occupied West Bank and approximately 230,000 in Jerusalem who are usurping Palestinian lands. According to international law, these usurpations in the West Bank and Jerusalem are considered illegal.
Since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its attack on the Gaza Strip, there has been an increase in detentions, raids and attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.
