Biden Reconsidering February Decision on Sanctions Against Israeli Ministers; Netanyahu Cancels Meeting

Jul 21, 2024, 03:16 PM

In February, President Biden rejected a recommendation to sanction Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing that the U.S. should not sanction elected officials in democratic countries. However, many U.S. officials now believe Biden should reconsider this position. Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to inform the Biden administration that Israel will collapse the Palestinian Authority if the U.S. proceeds with the sanctions. Smotrich has criticized the potential sanctions, calling it a mortal blow to Israeli sovereignty. Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled a meeting with the head of the Yesha Council amid the reports of possible U.S. sanctions.