On February 1, 2024, the Biden administration issued Executive Order 14115, declaring a state of national emergency in response to escalating violence in the West Bank. The order, unprecedentedly citing a threat to U.S. foreign policy, imposes sanctions on individuals and entities aiding sanctioned parties.
The sanctions regime, criticized for lack of transparency and due process, targets Israeli citizens, raising concerns about bias and political motives. The impacts on dual citizens and legal residents have sparked debate over constitutional rights infringements.
The executive order’s selective targeting of Jewish Israelis, without addressing Palestinian violence, has drawn criticism for its lack of equity and accountability. The lack of transparency in decision-making and flawed implementation further highlight the controversial nature of the sanctions.
Overall, EO 14115 is viewed as an overreach of U.S. authority, challenging Israeli sovereignty and democratic principles. The imposition of sanctions based on unsubstantiated claims and questionable sources has created a diplomatic strain between the two allies.
As Israel grapples with the implications of the sanctions, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability in the enforcement of EO 14115 to protect civil rights and preserve bilateral relations.
The writer is director of the International Division of Regavim, an Israeli civil society organization dedicated to the protection of Israel’s national resources and sovereignty. Regavim recently petitioned the US Federal Court to strike down EO 14115.