A group of Democratic US senators is introducing legislation that would impose sanctions on individuals and organisations involved in Israel’s proposed E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.
The bill targets activities linked to the settlement plan, which would extend Israeli development across a strategically significant area of the West Bank. The measure has at least 14 Democratic sponsors, including Senators Chris Coons, Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden and Ruben Gallego.
The legislation marks another sign of disagreement between some congressional Democrats and the Israeli government over settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank. Democratic lawmakers have increasingly called for restrictions on US support for Israeli actions in the Palestinian territory.
The E1 project has drawn international criticism because of its potential implications for Palestinian territorial continuity. Israel maintains its own position on settlement development, while Palestinians and many international governments oppose the expansion.
The proposal comes as the Trump administration maintains close ties with Israel, while some members of Congress are pressing for changes in US policy. The legislation would need to pass both chambers of Congress and receive presidential approval before becoming law.
The measure also reflects a broader debate in Washington over US relations with Israel, military assistance and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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