US bill targeting Israeli settlements in West Bank, Gaza gains 53 co-sponsors
As of this week, the bill has 53 co-sponsors, including high-profile figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna.
The Stop the Settlements Act, introduced by Rep. Joaquin Castro on October 1, is gaining traction with 53 co-sponsors, including influential lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna. The bill, which targets Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, seeks to halt the construction of new settlements and expansion of existing ones through sanctions and a ban on importing goods produced in these areas.
Castro argues that the act would protect Palestinians from displacement and help pave the way for a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can exercise their right to self-determination. The legislation imposes sanctions on individuals involved in settlement construction, development of settlements in the E1 area, or those facilitating the transfer of civilians into settlements after September 30, 2026.
Similar to sanctions by the UK, Netherlands, Canada, and France, the bill would also prohibit the import of goods produced wholly or in part in Israeli settlements or outposts in the West Bank or Gaza. Castro emphasizes that the act provides a choice to those seeking to seize Palestinian land in the West Bank or Gaza, either by supporting settlements or engaging in business with the United States.
The bill has garnered support from left-wing anti-Israel groups such as J Street and the New Jewish Narrative. Hadar Susskind, CEO of the New Jewish Narrative, sees the legislation as filling a critical gap, particularly in light of the Trump administration's failure to address the Israeli government's expansionist policies. The bill's focus on future settlement construction is notable, given that there have been no established Israeli civilian settlements in Gaza since 2005.
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