US sanctions 3 individuals, 5 entities for violence against civilians in occupied West Bank

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US announced new sanctions Thursday against three individuals and five entities for violence against civilians in the occupied West Bank.

"The United States remains deeply concerned about extremist violence and instability in the West Bank, which undermines Israel’s own security," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"We strongly encourage the Government of Israel to take immediate steps to hold these individuals and entities accountable. In the absence of such steps, we will continue to impose our own accountability measures," he added.

Targets include Isaschar Manne, accused of complicity in violence targeting civilians and Reut Ben Haim and Aviad Shlomo Sarid, leaders or officials of US-designated entity TZAV 9, whose members have allegedly engaged in violence.

Five entities targeted include Lehava, an organization led by Ben Zion Gopstein, designated by the US for being involved in acts of violent extremism.

The US also targeted four outposts, Manne Farm, Meitarim Farm, Hamahoch Farm and Neriya's Farm. ​​​​​​​