Israel Welcomes Trump’s Decision to Lift Sanctions on Settler

On his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump signed 200 executive orders, including a significant move for Israel—the cancellation of sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli settlers.

The sanctions had targeted several high-ranking figures, residents of Judea and Samaria, including those close to the Israeli government and leaders of parties such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took to social media to thank President Trump, stating:

“I sincerely thank President Donald Trump for his just decision to lift the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration against settlers and activists in right-wing organizations. These sanctions were a severe and blatant foreign intervention in Israel’s internal affairs and an unjustified violation of democratic principles and the mutual respect that should guide relations between friendly nations.”

Minister Smotrich further emphasized, “Mr. President, your unwavering and uncompromising support for the State of Israel is a testament to your deep connection to the Jewish people and our historical right to our land. I am confident that during your presidency, we will continue to strengthen our strategic partnership and deepen our friendship based on shared values of justice, liberty, and security.”

Minister Eli Cohen also praised Trump’s decision, saying, “Thank you, President Trump, for your decision to cancel the sanctions against settlers and right-wing activists imposed by the previous administration. These sanctions were an inappropriate intervention in Israel’s internal affairs, and your decision is both important and just.”

Outgoing Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also reacted on social media, stating: “I welcome the historic decision of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump to lift the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on settlers in Judea and Samaria. This is a correction of a long-standing injustice, where a distorted policy was adopted by the American administration and local actors who confused friends with enemies. Now, we must hope for a change in policy toward the terrorist organization Hamas, in a way that will prevent them from receiving oxygen and conducting deals that help them continue their activities.”