In a move to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, U.S. President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday to sanction individuals who support settler violence in the West Bank. The Biden administration described this action as a "holistic approach" to the Gaza conflict, taking into account the larger context of Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the entire region.

During a press briefing, a Biden administration official emphasized the importance of addressing the crisis comprehensively, acknowledging the concerns of the Arab-American community, particularly in the swing state of Michigan where the President was visiting. Arab-Americans, along with a growing number of Americans, have expressed their apprehensions about Biden's support for Israel's military response to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians on October 7.

Despite mounting pressure to call for a cease-fire, Biden has maintained his stance that Israel has the right to defend itself. The executive order specifically targets individuals who are seen as encouraging violence in the West Bank, including acts of intimidation, property destruction, and forced displacement of Palestinian communities. One individual, in particular, was mentioned as having initiated and led a riot that involved setting vehicles and buildings on fire.

The order imposes financial sanctions and visa bans on the targeted individuals, blocking them from using the U.S. financial system and prohibiting American citizens from engaging in transactions with them. The State Department is expected to release the names of the four individuals later on Thursday, with further evaluation underway to potentially impose penalties on others involved in attacks in the West Bank.

The Biden administration has faced criticism for its strong support of Israel, particularly as casualties continue to rise in the conflict. However, the President has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to exercise greater restraint in its military operations against Hamas. Biden has condemned retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers and pledged to hold those responsible for the violence accountable.

The executive order aims to undermine acts that hinder the foreign policy objectives of the United States, including the viability of a two-state solution and the equal security, prosperity, and freedom of both Israelis and Palestinians. It also highlights the potential for broader regional destabilization and threats to U.S. personnel and interests in the Middle East.

Notably, the order does not target far-right Israeli ministers who have defended the violence by Israeli settlers and advocated for the expansion of settlements. However, it does address the concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the role of Americans or dual citizens in settler violence and intimidation. Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for strong action against U.S. citizens involved in attacks against Palestinians, including criminal charges and financial sanctions.

The executive order comes at a critical time for President Biden, as he seeks to rally support in Michigan, a key battleground state. The conflict in the Middle East has strained relations with the Arab and Muslim communities, leading some Democrats to worry about its impact on the upcoming November election. The President's campaign team has already encountered resistance from Michigan's Arab American community, with community leaders expressing frustration over Biden's Israel policy.

In December, the State Department announced travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. While individual visa bans were not disclosed at the time, officials stated that dozens of settlers and their families would be affected, with the potential for more bans if the violence persisted.