Israeli settlers pin hopes on Trump to undo US sanctions

Amana, an Israeli group supporting illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, criticised the US decision to impose sanctions against it.  

US authorities announced sanctions on Amana, its construction arm Binyanei Bar Amana, and others linked to “violent actors in the West Bank” .

Despite the move, settlers are optimistic that President-elect Donald Trump will reverse the sanctions after taking office in January.  

“We are confident that with the change of administration in Washington and with proper and necessary action by the Israeli government, all sanctions will be lifted,” Amana said, referencing Trump’s expected leniency toward Israeli policies.  

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council overseeing northern West Bank settlements, described the sanctions as “the final act of the Biden administration, which is cynical and hostile towards the Near East’s only democracy” .

Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law.