Why Sanctions May Not Stop the Violence in the West Bank

Why Sanctions May Not Stop the Violence in the West Bank #

Israeli leaders have criticized the reported plans by the US to sanction an Israeli military unit for alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The situation in Gaza is also dire. Jewish students on US college campuses have reported disturbing anti-Semitic incidents. Columbia University’s president sent in the New York City Police Department to break up a pro-Palestinian encampment. Similar protests have occurred on other campuses, sparking a debate on free speech versus hate speech. There is no clear indication from the Biden administration regarding the announcement of funding cuts for the Israeli military unit. This would be the first time the US government has sanctioned the Israeli military. Israeli officials argue that the unit is an inseparable part of the Israel Defense Forces and in compliance with international law. The US State Department’s annual report on human rights highlights concerns over Israeli authorities’ violations against Palestinians in the occupied territories. Violence in the occupied West Bank has escalated since October 7th, with hundreds of Palestinians, including children, killed. Armed Israeli settlers have been carrying out attacks on Palestinian villages. The international community has imposed sanctions, but the Israeli government has not taken sufficient action to tackle the violence. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing airstrikes and troubling reports emerging from the aftermath of the Israeli military presence.