Urge Congress to Support the Stop the Settlements Act

Since December 2022, the Israeli government has approved more than 100 new settlements in the West Bank, while Israeli settlers have established almost 200 additional outposts. By comparison, only six settlements were approved by the Israeli government during the previous three decades. At the same time, senior Israeli officials have openly called for the re-establishment of settlements in Gaza. Together, these developments have heightened concerns about continued settlement expansion and its impact on the prospects for a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Stop the Settlements Act (H.R. 10642), introduced by Representative Joaquin Castro and several co-sponsors, seeks to address these concerns by creating consequences for those involved in the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza. Unlike legislation focused on a single settlement area, this bill addresses settlement activity more broadly and targets both settlement construction and the financial support that enables it.

If enacted, the legislation would require sanctions on foreign persons and entities that participate in the construction of Israeli settlements or outposts, invest in infrastructure such as roads and utilities that support their expansion, participate in development in the E1 area, or facilitate the transfer of Israeli civilians into settlements or outposts. The bill also applies to leaders and officials of entities involved in these activities.

The sanctions would block assets and financial interests under U.S. jurisdiction and bar sanctioned foreign individuals from entering the United States. In addition, the legislation would prohibit the importation of goods produced wholly or in part in Israeli settlements or outposts in the West Bank or Gaza beginning 120 days after enactment. The President would also be required to maintain and update a list of settlements and outposts covered by the import ban.

The bill also includes important oversight provisions. Within 90 days of enactment and every 180 days thereafter, the President would be required to report to Congress on implementation of the law, including who has been sanctioned, the status of settlement expansion, and the extent to which U.S. persons or financial institutions have supported settlement construction or expansion. These reports would also examine efforts by the United States and regional partners to protect the viability of a future Palestinian state.

At a time when continued settlement expansion threatens the possibility of a negotiated resolution, Congress has an opportunity to support accountability and reaffirm its commitment to a future in which both Palestinians and Israelis can live with security, dignity, and equal rights. The Stop the Settlements Act seeks to discourage activities that undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state and strengthen efforts to preserve the possibility of a just and lasting peace.

As Christians, we are called to pursue both justice and peace. Scripture reminds us that "the fruit of that righteousness will be peace" (Isaiah 32:17). Settlement expansion that further fragments Palestinian communities and diminishes the possibility of self-determination threatens the hope of a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.

Take action today with Churches for Middle East Peace and urge your Representative to support the Stop the Settlements Act. By speaking out now, you can help advance accountability and support efforts to preserve the possibility of a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.