More than 20 US senators have introduced a resolution seeking a State Department report on violence and human rights conditions in the occupied West Bank, including the deaths of American citizens.
Led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine and Bernie Sanders, the measure was introduced on Monday under Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act.
Senators demand accountability
The resolution would require the State Department to provide Congress with information on investigations into the deaths of US citizens in the occupied West Bank involving illegal Israeli settlers or Israeli forces.
It would also seek an assessment of the broader human rights situation, including the detention of Palestinian children.
“We have a responsibility to ensure the killing of American citizens is thoroughly investigated anywhere in the world,” Shaheen said.
She said settler violence against Palestinians and the deaths of Americans undermine the rule of law and threaten efforts toward a two-state solution.
Shaheen also urged the Trump administration to maintain its opposition to the annexation of the West Bank and policies by extremist settlers.
Kaine said violence in the territory was reaching an “unprecedented level” and called on senators to support the measure.
He said US lawmakers had repeatedly urged Israeli leaders to take stronger action against illegal settlements, prosecute violent settlers and protect Palestinians and Americans in the occupied West Bank.
Resolution could affect US aid
The senators said nine Americans have been killed in the occupied West Bank in recent years and argued that the cases have not produced sufficient accountability from either the Israeli or US governments.
Under Section 502B(c), Congress can request a State Department report on human rights conditions in countries receiving US military assistance.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee would have 10 days to consider the resolution before it could advance to the Senate floor.
If approved, the administration would have 30 days to submit the report. Failure to do so could trigger restrictions on certain US military assistance to Israel.
Congress could then consider whether changes to US military assistance are warranted based on the report’s findings.
