Biden Administration sanctions Israelis while funneling $230 million to Palestinians, raising concerns about U.S. foreign policy and its impact on regional stability.
At a Glance
- Biden-Harris administration imposes sanctions on Israeli entities and provides $230 million to Palestinians
- Sanctions target three Israeli organizations accused of inciting violence in the West Bank
- U.S. has sent over $2 billion to Palestinians since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel
- Nearly 90 congressional Democrats urged increased sanctions on Israel
- Critics argue sanctions deviate from norms and may infringe on constitutionally protected protest
Biden Administration’s Controversial Middle East Policy Shift
In a move that has strained diplomatic relations between Israel and the United States, the Biden-Harris administration has imposed new sanctions on Israeli entities while simultaneously providing $230 million in additional funding to Palestinians. This action, coming as the administration nears its end, signals a significant shift in U.S. Middle East policy and has sparked intense debate.
The sanctions target three Israeli organizations accused of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. However, the State Department’s description of these entities as “violent Israeli individuals and entities” has raised eyebrows, especially given that some of the accusations involve providing construction vehicles to settlements rather than direct acts of violence.
Unprecedented Sanctions and Their Implications
Legal experts have criticized the sanctions for potentially overstepping boundaries and departing from established norms. Eugene Kontorovich, a legal scholar, argues that these measures deviate significantly from typical sanction practices.
“Usually, sanctions target those responsible for severe wrongdoing, such as terrorist financing, nuclear proliferation and large-scale human rights abuses,” he said.
Kontorovich further points out that these sanctions may be targeting individuals who have not broken any laws and could infringe on constitutionally protected protest activities. This unprecedented approach has led to concerns about the administration’s motivations and the potential long-term consequences for U.S.-Israel relations.
Financial Support for Palestinians Amidst Controversy
While imposing sanctions on Israeli entities, the Biden-Harris administration has also channeled significant financial support to Palestinian organizations. Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the U.S. has sent over $2 billion to Palestinians. This includes the restoration of funding to Palestinian organizations and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), despite ongoing concerns about terrorism.
The administration’s decision to make exceptions for Palestinian organizations that would typically be subject to anti-terror sanctions has further fueled controversy. Critics argue that this approach undermines efforts to combat terrorism and may embolden violent actors in the region.
Political Pressure and Regional Implications
The Biden-Harris administration’s actions come amid increasing pressure from within the Democratic Party. Nearly 90 congressional Democrats have urged the administration to increase sanctions on Israel, reflecting a growing divide within the party over U.S. policy in the Middle East.
This policy shift is in contrast to the approach taken during the Trump administration, under which Palestinian violence against Israel had notably decreased. The resurgence of violence following the change in U.S. leadership raises questions about the effectiveness of the current administration’s strategy in promoting peace and stability in the region.
