Representative Joaquin Castro’s Stop the Settlements Act, which aims to restrict Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and Gaza, has reached 53 co-sponsors in the US House.

A legislative proposal introduced by Representative Joaquin Castro, known as the Stop the Settlements Act, has secured 53 co-sponsors in the US Congress. The bill seeks to halt the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza through the implementation of sanctions and import prohibitions. It aims to prevent the dispossession of Palestinian land and support a pathway toward self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Proposed Sanctions and Restrictions

The legislation targets individuals deemed complicit in the development of Israeli settlements or outposts, specifically those involved in activities occurring on or after September 30, 2026. This includes the construction of settlements in the E1 area and the facilitation of transferring Israeli civilians into these territories. If enacted, the bill would authorize the US president to impose sanctions on those involved in such activities. Additionally, the bill proposes a ban on the import of any goods produced or manufactured, either wholly or in part, within Israeli settlements or outposts in the West Bank or Gaza. This approach mirrors sanctions policies currently utilized by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, and France.

Legislative Intent and Support

Representative Castro stated that the bill is intended to provide a choice to entities looking to acquire land in the West Bank or Gaza, forcing them to decide between pursuing settlement activities or maintaining business ties with the United States. He described the current situation under the Netanyahu government as a violent land grab that threatens the prospect of Palestinian self-determination. The bill, introduced on October 1, has garnered support from several high-profile Democratic members of Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna.