House Democrats Push Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Expansion

Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX) has introduced legislation to impose sanctions on those building or expanding Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza.

The Stop the Settlements Act, co-sponsored by over 30 lawmakers, would use sanctions and trade restrictions to stop the construction or expansion of Israeli settlements. The lawmakers argue stopping Israeli settlements will protect Palestinians from dispossession of their land and encourage a pathway to peace.

“The Stop the Settlements Act gives any person or company looking to take Palestinian land in the West Bank or Gaza a choice: pursue settlements or do business with the United States,” Rep. Castro said.

Rep. Castro added, “Under Netanyahu’s government, settlers are engaged in a violent land grab that’s ripping Palestinians from their land.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military efforts in the West Bank and Gaza have caused Democrats and Republicans in both chambers to raise concerns over the future of Palestinian statehood and U.S. policy toward Israel.

“The record expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank continues to be one of the greatest impediments to peace,” Rep. Castro said. “Democrats must face this with urgency—act now or watch the prospect of Palestinian self-determination slip away forever.”

This bill comes shortly after President Donald Trump’s administration proposed a $2.8 billion arms package that includes 40,000 bombs for Israel. This week, Senate Democrats failed to pass a measure requiring a State Department report on Israeli violence in the West Bank.

Rep. Castro has continued to call on the Trump administration for more transparency on its ties to Israel.

In May, he led a group of 30 Democrats in calling on the State Department to provide transparency on Israel’s nuclear capabilities. More recently, he and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) garnered support from more than 100 Democrats to vote in favor of cutting $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel.

“Settlement expansion displaces Palestinians, violates international law, and prevents peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Rep. Casar said.

Rep. Castro stressed that Congress must take action.

“Democrats must face this with urgency—act now or watch the prospect of Palestinian self-determination slip away forever.”