Biden Threatens Visa Sanctions for 'Extremists' who Attack Palestinians

Facts

• US President Joe Biden has ordered the preparation of visa bans and further sanctions against Israeli individuals who attack and displace Palestinians in the West Bank, according to a reports of an internal White House document.¹
• Writing in an op-ed for The Washington Post published Sunday, Biden claimed that he had been 'emphatic' with Israel that 'extremist violence against Palestinians' in the West Bank had to 'stop,' and that those committing violence 'must be held accountable.'²
• Biden's op-ed continued by stating that the US was 'prepared' to take its 'own steps' in holding perpetrators accountable — including by 'issuing visa bans against extremists attacking civilians.'³
• According to Politico, the internal memo requested the targeting of individuals who have 'directly or indirectly engaged in actions or policies' to 'threaten the security' of the West Bank, as well as those who have conducted the intimidation and/or displacement of civilians, obstructed a two-state solution, or committed human rights abuses.¹
• Biden further claimed that Gaza and the West Bank should be 'reunited under a single governance structure,' advocating for this to be led by a 'revitalized Palestinian Authority.'⁴
• Biden's remarks were the first time the US has publicly stated a consideration of sanctioning Israeli settlers. In October, the US President also remarked that attacks by extremist settlers in the West Bank was merely 'pouring gasoline on the fire' of current tensions.⁵

Sources: ¹Politico, ²Associated Press, ³The Jordan Times, ⁴Independent and ⁵Axios.

Narratives

• Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Despite empty rhetoric, the reality remains that the US has for a long time encouraged the occupation of Palestinian Territories and turned a blind eye to the ongoing atrocities in the West Bank, and that the nation long ago abandoned the pursuit of a two-state solution. The US, the UK, and other western nations continues to portray themselves as seekers of peace, while enabling those who continue to destabilize regions elsewhere in the world.
• Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by The Jerusalem Post. While the US is a great friend of Israel, it must always be acknowledged that any alliance with the country necessarily involves diplomatic pressure to meet the demands of American administrations, meaning it facilitates US influence in the Middle East. The Biden administration must remember that to weaken Israeli power by any means is to undermine its own interests within the region. The leaders of the Israeli government must continue to maintain a backbone against the White House and prioritize Israeli safety and security in the Middle East above all else.

Predictions