United States Slaps Sanctions on Palestinian Group Lions’ Den

Accusing it of Threatening Peace and Stability in Occupied West Bank

The Biden administration has imposed financial sanctions on a Palestinian group based in the occupied West Bank, citing its alleged involvement in violent attacks against Israeli forces.

Background

Lions’ Den is an armed organization that emerged in Nablus in 2022 and has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Israeli forces. According to the State Department, the group’s activities date back to October 2022.

Sanctions

Under the sanctions, Lions’ Den will have its assets blocked in the US and American citizens will be largely prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The penalties were issued under Executive Order (EO) 14115, which aims to penalize individuals and entities “undermining peace, security and stability” in the West Bank.

Criticism

This move has sparked criticism from lawmakers and activists alike. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen called on the Biden administration to sanction Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich under the same executive order, citing his role in withholding taxes owed to the Palestinian Authority and declaring large areas of land in the occupied West Bank as Israeli state territory.

Analysis

“It’s a way perhaps for the US to show even-handedness in terms of its dealings with all the groups in the region,” said Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna. “It’s a balancing act, really.”

Context

The sanctions against Lions’ Den come amid growing tensions in the region, particularly following the war on Gaza. The Palestinian group has grown in prominence in the occupied West Bank during this period, and some see these sanctions as an attempt to counterbalance penalties imposed on Israeli settlers.

Calls for Accountability

Lawmakers and activists are calling for accountability from all parties involved in the conflict, including high-ranking Israeli officials responsible for human rights abuses against Palestinians. The Biden administration’s move is seen as a step towards holding accountable those who threaten peace and stability in the region.