Beyer, Castro, Dean, Casar, Jacobs, Escobar to Introduce Sanctions on Drivers of Settlement Expansion

This press release from Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA) was published on 2026-09-30 and titled "Beyer, Castro, Dean, Casar, Jacobs, Escobar to Introduce Sanctions on Drivers of Settlement Expansion".

Beyer, Castro, Dean, Casar, Jacobs, Escobar to Introduce Sanctions on Drivers of Settlement Expansion

On Thursday, Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) will introduce legislation to impose sanctions on individuals and entities building or expanding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. H.R. 0953, the Stop the Settlements Act would stop the construction of new settlements or expansion of existing Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza through the use of sanctions and a prohibition on the importation of goods made in these settlements and outposts. Stopping the construction of new settlements or expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza would protect Palestinians from dispossession of their land and help create a pathway to peace, where both Israelis and Palestinians are able to fully exercise their right to self-determination. “The continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories illustrates the contempt Israel’s government has for international law and longstanding U.S. policy,” said Rep. Beyer . “By accelerating this campaign of violence and theft, particularly in the E1 corridor bordering East Jerusalem, the Israeli government is making clear its intent to fatally undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. The U.S. cannot and should not accept this explicit effort of illegal territorial expansion, which would make a negotiated resolution to this intractable conflict forever out of reach. This legislation puts teeth on what has been clear U.S. policy for decades and sends a strong message that we will not tolerate the illegal settlement movement any longer.” “Under Netanyahu’s government, settlers are engaged in a violent land grab that’s ripping Palestinians from their land,” said Congressman Castro. “The record expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank continues to be one of the greatest impediments to peace. Democrats must face this with urgency—act now or watch the prospect of Palestinian self-determination slip away forever. Congress should and can be using every tool we have available, including sanctions. The Stop the Settlements Act gives any person or company looking to take Palestinian land in the West Bank or Gaza a choice: pursue settlements or do business with the United States. The American people have seen the reality on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza, and expect their elected officials to take action. In the coming months and in the next Congress, I will push for the conditions under which security and a lasting peace is possible.” “The continued construction of Israeli settlements and staking of new outposts in the West Bank and Gaza is a violation of international law. They’re also part of a deliberate, expressed strategy by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies to geographically isolate Palestinian communities, block the possibility of a contiguous state, and prevent the Palestinian people from being able to exercise their rights to self-determination,” said Rep. Dean. “Settler organizations and people who illegally push onto Palestinian land, harassing — and even killing legal residents — are actively undermining the peace process and prolonging the current violence. These settlers fund their activities in part through the sale of goods abroad, which this legislation would prohibit, while also authorizing sanctions on some of the worst offenders of international law. It is time that the United States joined our allies — such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada — in taking action to help preserve dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, which is essential for progress toward peace.” “Settlement expansion displaces Palestinians, violates international law, and prevents peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said Congressman Casar. “The Stop the Settlements Act would prohibit the construction and expansion of settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. Congress must work toward lasting peace in the region by ending the occupation and genocide.” “Pushing Palestinians out of their homes and off their land in Gaza and the West Bank is one of the greatest obstacles to a lasting pathway to peace,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “As long as the U.S. stands idly by, we’re knowingly supporting Israel’s coordinated strategy to consolidate Israeli control and prevent Palestinian statehood. We have another choice: use our tools and leverage to help make peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and everyone in the region a reality. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Stop the Settlements Act, which would require the President to sanction individuals and entities that build or expand settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. This is a reasonable and necessary step to uphold international law, protect civilians, de-escalate violence, and preserve the possibility of lasting peace, security, and stability.” BACKGROUND: Since December 2022, the Israeli government has approved over