Beyond Symbolism: The U.S. Must Confront Israeli Settler Violence with Real Accountability

Majid Burfat
The recent U.S. sanctions imposed on a handful of extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank may appear to signal a shift in Washington’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet, these measures, while noteworthy, fall far short of the robust action required to address the systemic and state-supported violence that has plagued Palestinian communities for decades. The Biden administration’s decision to target only a single organization and one individual, despite years of widespread and well-documented settler aggression, raises serious concerns about the sincerity and depth of America’s commitment to justice and human rights in the region. This token gesture, timed conspicuously close to the U.S. elections, seems less about enforcing international law and more about managing public perception. By selectively sanctioning a few low-level actors while ignoring the broader infrastructure of violence funded and endorsed by the Israeli government, the U.S. continues to engage in the kind of double standards that have long undermined its credibility on the global stage. These settlers are not isolated extremists but are an integral part of a larger strategy aimed at displacing Palestinians and expanding illegal settlements—actions that are carried out with the full backing of the Israeli state. The entities targeted by these sanctions, such as Hashomer Yosh and Yitzhak Levi Filant, are just the tip of the iceberg. Hashomer Yosh, a so-called non-governmental organization, has been instrumental in the violent expropriation of Palestinian land, particularly in the South Hebron Hills. Supported and funded by Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, this group’s activities have terrorized local Bedouin communities, forcing them to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Similarly, Filant, who serves as a security coordinator at the Yitzhar settlement near Nablus, is more than just a rogue actor; he is an agent of state-sanctioned violence, receiving a salary directly from the Israeli defense ministry. His actions, including leading armed settlers in attacks against Palestinians, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of state-endorsed aggression. Netanyahu’s vehement reaction to these U.S. sanctions, condemning them as a severe affront to Israeli sovereignty, is a stark reminder of how deeply these settlers are embedded within the fabric of Israeli governance. The outrage expressed by the Israeli government underscores the fact that these settlers are not operating independently but with significant state support. The Biden administration’s failure to recognize and address this broader complicity suggests that these sanctions are more about maintaining a facade of accountability than effecting real change. If the U.S. genuinely seeks to curb settler violence and promote peace, it must broaden its focus to include those at the highest levels of the Israeli government who have facilitated and encouraged these illegal activities. For these sanctions to have any meaningful impact, the U.S. must go beyond targeting fringe actors and confront the systemic nature of the violence. This requires a willingness to challenge the Israeli government directly, including reevaluating the vast military aid that the U.S. provides to Israel, much of which supports the very activities these sanctions purport to oppose. Moreover, the U.S. should push for greater accountability through international legal mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, to hold those responsible for war crimes and human rights violations to account. Such measures would send a clear message that the U.S. will no longer tolerate the use of its resources to support policies that contravene international law and fundamental human rights. The Biden administration’s current approach is not only inadequate but also dangerously myopic. By focusing on a few isolated actors, the U.S. is ignoring the root causes of the violence—the systemic oppression and dispossession of Palestinians, which is actively supported by the Israeli state. This half-hearted response does little to address the broader conflict and risks perpetuating a cycle of violence that will continue to destabilize the region. If the U.S. is serious about its role as a broker of peace in the Middle East, it must adopt a far more comprehensive and principled stance. This means not only holding individual settlers accountable but also confronting the Israeli government’s complicity in these crimes. As the U.S. approaches another election cycle, the world is watching closely to see whether its actions will match its rhetoric. The stakes could not be higher. Settler violence is not just a local issue; it is a key driver of the broader conflict and a significant barrier to peace. By failing to address it comprehensively, the U.S. is not only undermining its own credibility but also contributing to the continuation of a conflict that has claimed far too many lives. In conclusion, the time for half-measures and symbolic gestures is over. The U.S. must take a bold and unequivocal stand against all forms of violence and oppression, including those perpetrated by its allies. This requires a fundamental reevaluation of its relationship with Israel and a commitment to holding all parties accountable for their actions. The Biden administration has an opportunity to lead with integrity and courage, but only if it is willing to confront the uncomfortable truths and make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve lasting peace. The world does not need more empty promises; it needs real, decisive action. Only then can there be any hope for a just and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. must rise to this challenge, or risk being remembered as a nation that failed to act when it mattered most.