New Congressional Majority Sets Sights on West Bank Settlement Sanctions

Democratic leaders in the United States intend to introduce legislation imposing sanctions on West Bank settlers. This action follows the party’s victory in the midterm elections held earlier this week, which granted Democrats control of Congress. The proposed bill would replicate a sanctions package adopted by the British government last month.

The move signals a new direction for US policy regarding the occupied territories. It also marks a strengthening of political ties between the US Democratic Party and the UK Labour government. Informal discussions are already underway between Democratic officials and the Burnham administration. One source close to the party expects a strong partnership to form between a progressive president in Washington and a prime minister in London.

Democratic officials have cited the popularity of this policy shift in Britain as a key factor. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband have moved away from the foreign policy stance previously associated with Keir Starmer. Polls indicate that most of the British public supported the sanctions, including a narrow majority of Conservative voters. This domestic support in the UK appears to provide a model for US legislators seeking to justify their own measures.

Prominent members of the new congressional majority have publicly endorsed the approach. Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro described the UK sanctions as a step in the right direction. He characterized settlement expansion as a land grab driven by violence and urged the United States to follow Britain’s lead. Congressman Ro Khanna, who was held at gunpoint by settlers in the West Bank last summer, called the British action an important moral step.

Other lawmakers are preparing specific legislative language. In late September, 19 Senate Democrats, including Castro and Casar, introduced a bill targeting entities involved in the E1 plan. This plan involves building thousands of housing units between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, which would effectively divide the West Bank. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, a sponsor of that earlier bill, stated that it is time for the US to join allies like France and Canada in preserving Palestinian self-determination.

Matt Duss, a Washington-based Middle East expert, noted that seeing key allies take action provides a boost to US colleagues. He added that a new class of progressive Democrats entering Congress is eager to support Palestinian rights. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Greg Casar have also called for immediate action, with Casar urging a ban on trade with settlements.

In London, Emily Thornberry, chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, welcomed the developments. She suggested that if leaders like Khanna, Casar, and Castro are positioned to develop US policy, real progress could be made. Thornberry recommended the UK’s approach as a model and expressed hope for close cooperation in the near future.