Washington, 6 December 2023 (TDI): United States Secretary Antony Blinken has issued new visa restrictions on people who are allegedly involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Several US officials said, multiple times appeals were sent to Israel to take more preventive measures to stop violence against the people.
According to the US State Department visa restriction policy, “individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, stability, and security in the West Bank. This violence led to the restriction of civilians’ access to essential services and necessities, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
On the face of it, the Biden Administration has repeatedly warned Israel to stop violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. In this sense, the recent attacks have expanded the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and its periphery areas right after October 7.
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During a visit last week, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller informed reporters in a press briefing that Blinken emphasized to Israeli officials the imperative for them to intensify efforts in halting extremist violence against Palestinians and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
Biden further added that Palestinians have to snub intense violence against Israeli settlers in the West Bank. In coming days, there will be more designations added to visa restriction policy, US Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
As per Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, “Only Israeli Authorities had a right to use violence. Israel is a state of law. The right to use violence belongs to those who are certified and verified to do so by the government.”
Moreover, US officials believe in transparent prosecution rather than administrative detention of those who are implicated in atrocities against innocent people. In such a scenario, the Biden administration is vehemently pressurized by its people. In the coming election, he has to take a balanced approach to protect the electoral legitimacy.
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