this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2024
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Biden administration dramatically softens the sanctions it imposed on the seven Israelis from the Israel Defense Forces and makes it clear that they will be able to use their bank accounts.

Original article in Hebrew

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[–] protist@mander.xyz 21 points 8 months ago (5 children)

If I'm reading this correctly, this decision was made because Smotrich threatened to sever all Israeli banking relations with the Palestinian Authority, which since the PA depends on Israeli banks to function, would have ruined the Palestinian government in the West Bank. I don't like that this is how it's going down, but definitely see the rationale, and don't think the Biden Admin is wrong to protect the PA. There's plenty criticism to heap on the US for their relationship with Israel, but I don't think this is one of them. The problem here is Smotrich and the Netanyahu government.

[–] Alsephina@lemmy.ml 55 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (3 children)

The PA is pretty much entirely controlled by the Israeli military now. It being shut down might actually allow orgs that actually serve Palestinian interests to take power.

Regardless, this is obviously just an excuse to stop the sanctions. Israel is entirely dependent on the US and these "threats" are toothless. If Biden gave a fuck at all, he would simply threaten to cut off funding to Israel in return.

[–] protist@mander.xyz 10 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

The "might" in that sentence is doing some heavy lifting. I think the collapse of the PA would lead to worsening chaos in the West Bank, especially financially, and would directly harm Palestinians.

[–] Alsephina@lemmy.ml 18 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Not at all. You can remove that first paragraph entirely and my point comes across just fine.

[–] protist@mander.xyz 4 points 8 months ago

There wasn't a second paragraph when I responded lol.

I still seriously disagree with you, a disruption of the Palestinian Authority would 100% be worse for the Palestinian people in the West Bank. Which "orgs" do you think are suddenly going to step in and be better?

[–] nomous@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Israel is entirely dependent on the US

Israel has a robust economy and is quite capable of conducting the war it wants all on its own.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Israel

[–] crusa187@lemmy.ml 12 points 8 months ago

This is just a little something to keep in mind the next time some Israeli tries to argue that “it’s not an occupation.”

[–] rottingleaf@lemmy.zip 5 points 8 months ago

The problem here is Smotrich and the Netanyahu government.

Can they just send a few killer drones after the two guys mentioned? It's fair game, USA uses those outside of its territory, Israel uses those outside of its territory.

Of course there's going a shitfest of indignation from Israelis, but that'll be in any situation which is not successful ethnic cleansing with no consequences.

[–] PowerCrazy@lemmy.ml 2 points 8 months ago

More concisely, the problem is Israel.