The U.S. has officially sanctioned Amana, one of the most prominent Israeli settler organizations, over its alleged involvement with violence against Palestinians. The announcement came through the U.S. Treasury Department on the evening of November 18, 2024, shortly after reports intensified about settler-related violence surging across the West Bank.
According to the U.S. Treasury’s statement, Amana has been accused of being integral to the extremist Israeli settlement movement. Specifically, the organization is alleged to maintain connections with individuals previously sanctioned for their actions related to settler violence. Matthew Miller, the spokesman for the State Department, noted, "The group maintains ties to several individuals previously sanctioned by the U.S. government. It has helped establish dozens of illegal settler outposts and directly engages in the dispossession of private land owned by Palestinians."
These actions have raised concerns among lawmakers. A letter signed by 90 U.S. lawmakers urged President Biden to take significant steps against Amana along with Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, whom they labeled as architects of policies fostering settler violence and undermining the Palestinian Authority. The letter argued these officials promote settler violence, destabilize the West Bank, and facilitate the de facto annexation of Palestinian territories.
Sanctioning Amana is part of the Biden administration's broader strategy to combat increasing violence perpetrated by settlers, especially amid rising tensions during recent confrontations. The U.S. has reportedly sanctioned 33 entities and individuals over the last ten months, with Miller emphasizing, "There is no justification for extremist violence against civilians. Period. We are committed to working with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to de-escalate violence…"
Significantly, the sanctions extend to Amana’s subsidiary, Binyanei Bar Amana, which is involved in constructing homes within settlements. The ramifications of these sanctions could hinder the organization’s extensive operations, which reportedly has financial dealings with all major Israeli banks. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets related to Amana and forbid any financial transactions involving U.S. individuals or institutions.
Underlined by the current political environment, the U.S. sanctions have provoked mixed reactions. While some view them as necessary action against unlawful settlement actions, others worry about the broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations. Critics of the sanctions argue they may not significantly impact change on the ground, especially considering the historical unwavering support the U.S. has shown Israel, making the effectiveness of such measures questionable.
The organization, founded as part of the Gush Emunim movement aimed at promoting Jewish settlements after the 1973 war, has been pivotal since its inception. Over decades, Amana has played significant roles in building and supporting unauthorized settlements across the West Bank, openly assisting settlers and Israeli authorities to develop these areas. Today, it operates several companies focused on creating settlement outposts.
Although Israeli settlements are widely considered illegal under international law, the Israeli government has continually expanded these settlements, compliciting peace talks aimed at achieving a two-state solution. UN reports have consistently criticized Israel’s policies, arguing they undermine potential negotiations to end the longstanding conflict.
Recently, Haaretz published reports detailing Amana’s complex operational structure, highlighting the organization’s significant financial resources which have been facilitating illegal settlement expansions. Despite significant assets suspected to be hundreds of millions of shekels, much of its financial operations are opaque due to its status as a cooperative association not required to disclose earnings formally.
Further complicity is suggested within investigations showcasing the organization’s involvement with agrarian disputes against Palestinians, leading some unauthorized agricultural outposts associated with settler violence. This has resulted not only from recent shootings and attacks linking violence to settler activity, but also from claims of land seizures using fraudulent documentation. Reports indicate these issues have contributed to the climate of violence within communities across the West Bank.
Reactions among Israeli officials are varied, and the sanctions have sparked fears of potential challenges to existing settlement governance as well. While some extremist segments celebrate the historical patterns of expansion, there’s growing apprehension concerning the potential restrictions these sanctions could pose, including future land acquisitions and income sourced from settlement activities.
The diplomatic dialogue continues as all parties await to see how this latest round of sanctions affects both the U.S.-Israel bilateral relationship and the everyday lives of Palestinians facing increased unrest. The efficacy of U.S. sanctions as leverage will be constantly under scrutiny, particularly as there are historical contexts where sanctions have had minimal efficient outputs.
It remains to be seen how these developments will play out against the backdrop of increasing violence and political strife within Israel and Palestine. The Biden administration will likely need to navigate complex waters as it attempts to maintain support for Israel, address humanitarian concerns for Palestinians, and enforce its strategic objectives aimed at peace and stability within the region.
Overall, the sanctioning of Amana exemplifies heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s settlement policies, reflecting growing concerns about the extent of violence and its impacts on the prospects for peace. It remains uncertain how these economic sanctions will be enforced and whether they will translate to tangible changes on the ground.
