Marco Rubio rejects West Bank sanctions despite condemning violence

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the tensions on the occupied West Bank between Israeli settlers and the Palestinian population, but has ruled out imposing sanctions similar to those announced by other Western nations.

Speaking at a Miami airport before departing for a tour of Latin America, Rubio stated, “It is obvious that we will not do what they are doing,” in response to inquiries regarding sanctions proposed by the United Kingdom. While distancing the U.S. from those specific measures, Rubio noted that the U.S. shares the goal of regional stability and does not wish to see an escalation of violence or conflict during such a sensitive period.

Rubio emphasized that stability in the West Bank is critical to progress regarding Gaza and border peace efforts. This stance contrasts with a joint declaration from twelve Western countries, including the United Kingdom and France, which intend to sanction trade related to Israeli settlements. Those nations argued that settler violence has reached “unprecedented levels” and that Israeli government actions in the West Bank undermine the possibility of a two-state solution.