U.S. Implements Visa Bans in Response to West Bank Violence, Urges Accountability from Israel

The United States initiated visa bans on individuals linked to violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to officials in Washington on Tuesday. The State Department’s new visa restriction policy is directed at those suspected of undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank through acts of violence or actions impeding civilians’ access to essential services. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to address extremist violence against Palestinians during his recent visit, stating that Israeli officials must take more substantial measures and hold those responsible accountable.

President Joe Biden and other high-ranking U.S. officials have consistently urged Israel to prevent violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The surge in attacks correlates with the expansion of Jewish settlements, intensifying further after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explained that Palestinian leaders also need to do more to restrain attacks against Israelis in the West Bank.

Under the new policy, the first visa bans were implemented on Tuesday, with additional designations anticipated in the coming days. Miller noted that the action is expected to affect dozens of individuals and potentially their family members. Existing U.S. visa holders targeted by the bans will be notified of the revocation.

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, a territory Palestinians seek as the foundation of an independent state. The construction of Jewish settlements there, deemed illegal by most countries, has been a source of contention. Israel disputes the illegality claim, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

Addressing settler violence, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant asserted in a Tuesday news conference that only Israeli authorities have the right to use violence in the state of law. While acknowledging some steps taken by Israel, such as administrative detention, Miller emphasized the U.S. stance that individuals responsible for West Bank violence should face prosecution. He clarified that Washington’s action does not negate the necessity for Israel to take its own measures, and the U.S. will continue to communicate this expectation.