• This action comes after numerous calls for Israel to prevent violence.
• The frequency of attacks has increased in recent months.
• Palestinian leaders were urged to reduce attacks on Israelis in the West Bank.

On Tuesday, U.S. officials stated that they have started to enforce visa bans on individuals engaged in violence in the West Bank, which is occupied by Israel. This action comes after numerous calls for Israel to take stronger measures to prevent violence involving Jewish settlers.

A new State Department visa restriction policy targets “individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

President Joe Biden, along with other high-ranking U.S. officials, has consistently cautioned that Israel needs to take decisive action to prevent violence initiated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The frequency of attacks has increased in recent months, coinciding with the expansion of Jewish settlements and a further spike following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized during his recent visit to Israel that more efforts are required to halt extremist violence against Palestinians. He specifically urged Israeli officials to hold those responsible for such violence accountable. Additionally, Palestinian leaders were urged to take stronger measures to reduce attacks on Israelis in the West Bank.

The U.S. has initiated a new policy to address this issue, beginning with the imposition of visa bans on individuals involved in violence on Tuesday. Further designations are expected in the coming days, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“We expect ultimately for this action to impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members,” Miller said, adding that any Israeli with an existing US visa who was targeted would be notified that their visa was revoked.

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