(LibertySociety.com) – In a controversial move during its final weeks, the Biden-Harris administration has imposed sweeping sanctions on Israeli entities while approving $230 million in additional aid for Palestinian territories. Critics say the measures highlight a deepening rift in U.S.-Israel relations and accuse the administration of showing favoritism toward Palestinians despite their connections to ongoing violence.
The sanctions target three Israeli organizations accused of involvement in activities deemed illegal by the administration, including alleged property crimes and providing equipment for settlements in the West Bank. The sanctions, unprecedented in scope, were reportedly influenced by a coalition of nearly 90 congressional Democrats urging punitive actions against Israel before the administration’s departure.
The decision to impose sanctions was accompanied by a significant financial package for humanitarian projects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This $230 million allocation comes on top of more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds directed to Palestinian territories during the Biden-Harris administration, raising concerns among critics about potential misuse of these funds by groups linked to Hamas, especially in the wake of its October 7 terror attacks on Israel.
Eugene Kontorovich, an Israeli legal scholar, criticized the sanctions as disproportionate and politically motivated. Writing in the New York Post, he argued that the penalties target minor property crimes and vandalism while exempting Palestinian groups often accused of far more serious offenses. Kontorovich also noted that Palestinian violence against Israelis, which had been largely suppressed during Trump’s presidency, surged under the Biden administration’s policies.
The outgoing administration has also faced scrutiny for easing sanctions on Iran, a major backer of Palestinian terrorist organizations. Meanwhile, the State Department defended its actions as a necessary response to escalating tensions in the region.
These last-minute moves further sour relations with Israel as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has promised to restore strong ties with Israel and implement policies aimed at curbing violence in the region. Israeli leaders, who have expressed frustration with the Biden-Harris administration, view Trump’s return as an opportunity to rebuild trust and security partnerships.
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