What is Happening?

Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) have introduced the Stop the Settlements Act, legislation that would impose consequences on individuals and entities involved in building or expanding Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza.

The bill would require sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in establishing new settlements or outposts, expanding existing settlements, developing settlement infrastructure, or facilitating the transfer of Israeli civilians into settlements. It would also prohibit the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza.

The sanctions could include visa restrictions and the blocking of assets under U.S. jurisdiction. The bill also specifically addresses construction in the E1 area, where planned settlement development could divide the West Bank and further isolate East Jerusalem.

Why this Matters

Settlement expansion has accelerated dramatically. Since December 2022, the Israeli government has approved more than 100 new settlements in the West Bank while settlers have established almost 200 additional outposts. Only six settlements were approved in the previous three decades.

Continued settlement expansion threatens Palestinian communities with further displacement and makes Palestinian self-determination increasingly difficult. The Stop the Settlements Act would give the United States concrete tools to respond by attaching consequences to the individuals and entities driving that expansion.

The Stop the Settlements Act would:

• Impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in establishing or expanding settlements and outposts;
• Target settlement development in the E1 area;
• Block sanctioned individuals and entities from accessing assets under U.S. jurisdiction and impose visa restrictions; and
• Prohibit goods produced wholly or partly in Israeli settlements or outposts in the West Bank or Gaza from being imported into the United States.

Take Action Today

Congress has an opportunity to take meaningful action against settlement expansion and stand up for Palestinian rights and self-determination.

Contact your Representative today and urge them to cosponsor and support the Stop the Settlements Act.

Continued public pressure matters. We must keep pushing our elected officials to protect Palestinian human rights and support policies that move us toward a just and lasting peace.