I want to thank President Biden for the Executive Order he just issued addressing the situation in the West Bank, including settler violence. The President has determined that this situation “constitute[s] an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” and I agree. If peace is our objective—and it must be—such violent settlers represent an obstacle that must be overcome.
As J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami said: “This significant Executive Order provides American officials with powerful tools to deter further violence and extremism, prevent escalation and better ensure the safety of everyone living in both Israel and the West Bank. The Biden Administration is sending a clear message to extremists in the West Bank: There will be consequences.
“Just as the United States has rightly doubled down on sanctioning terrorists and terror organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah that have targeted Israelis for decades, so too must it take steps against those who engage in terrorism against Palestinians. The situation on the West Bank cries out for justice and accountability, and this is a major step in the right direction.”
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for taking this step.
And thank you for continuing to work towards a ceasefire, more aid for suffering Gazans, an immediate return of the remaining hostages, and an eventual two-state solution. The great majority of us desperately want an end to the carnage. We want peace. We’ve got your back as you work to achieve this.
First sent on February 2, 2024 by Jess Craven
