A group of House Democrats is introducing legislation that would sanction individuals and companies involved in establishing or expanding Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, while banning goods produced in those communities from entering the United States.
The bill, called the Stop the Settlements Act, is being led by Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, Don Beyer of Virginia, Greg Casar of Texas, Sara Jacobs of California and Veronica Escobar of Texas.
More than 30 additional Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors.
According to the lawmakers’ official announcement, the bill would impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in establishing new Israeli communities or expanding existing communities and outposts in Judea and Samaria or Gaza. It would also prohibit the importation into the United States of goods produced in those locations.
AFSI Insight
This legislation is a dangerous escalation in U.S. pressure against Israel. The proposed Stop the Settlements Act would use American sanctions and an import ban to deliberately obstruct Jewish construction and development in Judea and Samaria—including strategically vital areas such as E1.
AFSI rejects the premise that Washington should dictate where Jews may live in their legal and historic homeland. Judea and Samaria are not foreign territory to be surrendered under congressional pressure. Economic warfare against Israelis for building communities must be opposed—not expanded. The effort should be recognized for what it is: an attempt to use U.S. economic power to advance a political agenda that would constrain Israel’s sovereignty and security.
Judea and Samaria are the heartland of Jewish history and an essential component of Israel’s security. AFSI will continue to stand firmly against efforts to freeze Jewish growth, reward territorial demands, or impose a Palestinian state through American pressure.