The recent decision by the U.S. President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians marks a troubling escalation in the West Bank. Experts in Israeli affairs have described the move as a clear signal of alignment with Israel’s far-right policies, effectively encouraging settler violence.
This reversal of an executive order by Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, undermines efforts to hold settlers accountable for terrorism against Palestinians. The now-defunct order targeted extremist settler groups that had intensified attacks following the events of October 7, 2023.
Israeli affairs expert Ismat Mansour highlighted that this decision emboldens settlers and coincides with a surge of attacks on Palestinian villages, including Al-Funduq and Hajjah in the Qalqilya district. Mansour referred to the move as a "green light" for settlers, making them feel protected under U.S. policy, which could have devastating consequences for Palestinians living under occupation.
Analyst Omar Ja’ara also criticised the U.S. position, noting the hypocrisy in its claims of opposing settlement expansion. He pointed out that settlers often act as military units, receiving protection from the Israeli army while committing acts of violence against Palestinians.
In 2024 alone, settlers were responsible for 2,971 violations in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of 10 Palestinians and the destruction of thousands of trees, according to the Palestinian Commission for Resistance of the Wall and Settlements.
This decision comes as another chapter in Trump’s history of pro-Israel policies, including recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moving the U.S. embassy, and supporting settlement expansion. Palestinian leaders have called on the international community to take a firm stand against such actions, warning of further escalation in violence and oppression.
For Palestinians, this move intensifies the urgency to address settler terrorism and protect their land and lives from unrelenting aggression.
