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A group of roughly 90 Democratic lawmakers have called on President Biden to impose sanctions on two top Israeli ministers.

What’s the deal: In a letter addressed to President Biden, 17 senators and 71 members of the House called on him to impose sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The lawmakers argue that these officials have been instrumental in inciting settler violence against Palestinians and advancing annexation policies in the West Bank, actions they claim threaten stability in the region and US national security interests.

In the letter, lawmakers wrote, “Violent settlers, fueled by the inflammatory rhetoric and incitement to violence by members of the Israeli cabinet, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and empowered by extremist organizations like Regavim and Amana, have carried out over 1,270 recorded attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, averaging more than three violent attacks per day. Given their critical roles in driving policies that promote settler violence, weaken the Palestinian Authority, facilitate de facto and de jure annexation, and destabilize the West Bank, we urge you to sanction Finance Minister (Bezalel) Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.”

Digging deeper on Smotrich: Bezalel Smotrich has been a vocal advocate for the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, often pushing policies that critics say edge toward de facto annexation of Palestinian territories. His recent initiatives include legalizing previously unauthorized Jewish settlements, actions that some say undermine the Palestinian Authority’s governance and stability in the region.

Digging deeper on Ben-Gvir: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, is known for his outspoken views and has defended Jewish settlers involved in confrontations with Palestinians. He also advocates for a tougher approach against Palestinian resistance, often invoking security as the primary concern. His supporters argue that Ben-Gvir’s policies are necessary for countering terrorism and protecting Israeli citizens. However, his critics say that his inflammatory rhetoric and support for radical nationalist actions exacerbate anti-Arab sentiment, encourage settler violence, and contribute to rising tensions in the West Bank.