A settlement between the Trump administration and plaintiffs who challenged former U.S. President Joe Biden’s executive order authorizing sanctions on certain Israelis and organizations in Judea and Samaria includes a commitment from the U.S. government not to pursue sanctions against the plaintiffs and affirms that Israel and its citizens will be treated as close allies of the United States.
As part of the settlement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that it will take no action against the plaintiffs and affirmed that “Israel is one of the United States’ closest allies, and the United States will treat the country and its people accordingly,” according to the Lawfare Project.
The agreement further states that the United States “categorically rejects any policy that would infringe upon Israel’s sovereignty or target private organizations and Israeli citizens living in” Judea and Samaria, the group said.
Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at George Mason University who advised the plaintiffs’ legal team, told JNS that the settlement highlights a significant policy shift from the Biden administration.
AFSI Insight
This settlement as a long-overdue correction to what it has consistently been a discriminatory and politically motivated sanctions regime targeting Jewish residents and supporters of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The Biden-era policy unfairly singled out Israelis while largely ignoring Palestinian terrorism and incitement.
We view the settlement as an important victory for free speech, due process, and the rights of Americans and Israelis who support Jewish communities in the biblical heartland of Israel. Political activism, opposition to aid reaching Hamas, and efforts to combat illegal Palestinian construction are legitimate activities that should not be punished through financial sanctions.