The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Hilltop Youth, an extremist group in the West Bank, under Executive Order 14115. The group is accused of violent actions against Palestinians, including attacks on homes and property, which have destabilized the region.
"The worsening violence and instability in the West Bank are detrimental to the long-term interests of Israelis and Palestinians, and the actions of violent organizations like Hilltop Youth only exacerbate the crisis," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States will continue to hold accountable the individuals, groups, and organizations that facilitate these hateful and destabilizing acts."
The U.S. has consistently opposed violence in the West Bank from both Israeli settlers and Palestinian extremists. OFAC encourages financial institutions to report suspicious activities related to financing such violent acts.
Additionally, two individuals have been designated under E.O. 14115 by the Department of State: Eitan Yardeni for his connection to violence targeting civilians in the West Bank, and Avichai Suissa for leading Hashomer Yosh, a group previously sanctioned by the U.S.
Hilltop Youth has carried out numerous violent activities aimed at driving Palestinian communities out of the West Bank. Notable incidents include attacks on al-Mughayyir in April 2024 and Turmus Aiya in June 2023, resulting in deaths, injuries, and significant property damage.
As a result of this designation, all properties and interests belonging to these persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Transactions involving these entities are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Financial institutions engaging with sanctioned entities may face penalties or enforcement actions. The goal of sanctions is not punitive but aims to bring about positive behavioral changes.
For more information on today's designations or how to seek removal from an OFAC list, visit their official website.
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