US Introduces Bill Against Illegal Israeli Settlement in Palestine

A group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation targeting Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and Gaza, with proposed sanctions on those involved and a ban on goods produced in the settlements.

Representatives Joaquin Castro, Madeleine Dean, Don Beyer, Greg Casar, Sara Jacobs and Veronica Escobar introduced the Stop the Settlements Act on September 30. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro is among the bill’s original co-sponsors.

The proposed legislation would require sanctions against foreign individuals and entities involved in establishing or expanding Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza.

It would also prohibit the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements and outposts. The bill specifically covers activities linked to settlement construction, infrastructure development and expansion in the E1 area near East Jerusalem.

Lawmakers Cite Palestinian Displacement

Castro, who is leading the legislation, said settlement expansion has become a major obstacle to a political resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He called for sanctions as a tool to address settlement construction.

Other lawmakers supporting the bill said settlement expansion contributes to Palestinian displacement and affects prospects for Palestinian self-determination. These statements represent the lawmakers’ positions on the issue.

DeLauro is listed among more than 30 original co-sponsors. Other co-sponsors include Mary Gay Scanlon, Jared Huffman, Nydia Velázquez, Pramila Jayapal and Maxine Dexter.

The bill would need to pass both chambers of Congress and receive presidential approval before becoming law.

The legislation comes amid continued international attention on Israeli settlement activity in the occupied territories. The proposed US measures would use sanctions and trade restrictions to target people, companies and other entities involved in settlement expansion.