The U.S. Departments of State and Treasury have announced new sanctions against an Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in the occupied West Bank, citing its support for violence perpetrated by extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians.
According to the American news outlet Axios, the sanctions target the organization “Hashomer Yosh,” which has received funding and support from the Israeli government in recent years. Key members of the organization are affiliated with the far-right parties of ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Axios reported that Hashomer Yosh is focused on protecting illegal outposts and farms established by settlers in the occupied West Bank. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on some of these outposts and farms due to their involvement in violence against Palestinian civilians.
Hashomer Yosh has received political and financial backing from Israel’s Ministries of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, as well as from far-right lawmakers within the ruling coalition. The NGO also raises funds in the United States through various organizations and online platforms.
In response, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the sanctions imposed on Israeli citizens, noting that the matter is under intense discussion with the United States.
