Van Hollen Joins Welch, Colleagues in Introducing Bicameral Bill to Codify Biden-Era Executive Order on West Bank Sanctions

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, bicameral legislation to codify the Biden Administration's Executive Order allowing for sanctions against extremists in the West Bank who promote or engage in violence, displacement of civilians, or the destruction of property. U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Pa.) led companion legislation in the House.

The legislation provides a clear framework for lifting sanctions under appropriate conditions and strengthening oversight and accountability on imposed sanctions.

"The Netanyahu Government's rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and its complicity in increased settler violence against Palestinians, undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects for achieving a two-state solution. This legislation will strengthen the U.S. government's ability to hold accountable those who are fueling this illegal activity - and use the leverage we have to help preserve a path to peace, security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Growing settler violence in the West Bank harms civilians, jeopardizes regional stability, and is a serious threat to U.S. national security. President Biden's Executive Order has been crucial in addressing the Netanyahu government's failure to take action against those who instigate heinous acts of fear and hate, and it should become statute," said Senator Welch. "Sanctions have been an effective tool to deter violence in this deadly year for those living in the West Bank, where lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and families have been forever changed. We must ensure accountability for extremists who perpetrate violence against civilians in the West Bank and reaffirm our commitment to a lasting Middle East peace."

"We have seen a series of cascading crises following the October 7 attack-with widespread suffering among Israelis, Palestinians, and too many others in the region. Amid the ongoing war that needs to end, I have been troubled by the pursuit of some in Netanyahu's government of extremist polices in the West Bank and agreed with President Biden's executive order sanctioning those involved in such actions. That's why I joined my colleagues today to introduce legislation that would codify these sanctions and ensure they remain an effective tool to deter violence in the West Bank. We have a responsibility in the United States for a renewed push on all sides towards peace, one in which Israeli and Palestinian children can once and forever live in safety, peace, and dignity," said Senator Durbin.

"The current extreme right-wing Israeli government has driven record illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and armed extremist settlers who, with Israeli security forces, have killed more than 700 people in the last year, including three Americans. Enough is enough - the United States must sanction those responsible for this illegal violence," said Senator Sanders.

"Extremist violence in the West Bank not only violates basic human rights but also undermines a two-state solution and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The targeting of Palestinian communities, destruction of property, and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable and must end immediately," said Senator Reed. "This bill will help hold perpetrators accountable and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people."

"Extremist violence in the West Bank undermines the hope for a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike," said Senator Merkley. "The United States must use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to stop these unacceptable attacks against Palestinian civilians and villages. I call on this administration and future administrations to follow through with established policies, and to use U.S. influence to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and a two-state solution."

"This bill is about accountability, justice, and ensuring that U.S. policy stands firmly against extremist violence and destabilization," said Representative Lee. "The surge in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is a humanitarian and moral crisis. By codifying these sanctions, we are making clear that the U.S. supports peace and dignity for all people living in the region."

The SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act is supported by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Human Rights Watch, J Street, New Jewish Narrative, Peace Action, Quincy Institute, American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine (AFRP), and Win Without War.

In addition to Representative Lee, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Al Green (D-Texas), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), and André Carson (D-Ind.).

In November 2023, Senator Welch called for an indefinite ceasefire in the conflict, citing a need to ensure access to humanitarian relief into Gaza, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and prevent further loss of innocent life.

Learn more about the SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act.

Read the full text of the bill.