The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Amana, the Settlement Movement of Gush Emunim Central Cooperative Association Ltd, and its subsidiary Binyanei Bar Amana Ltd. This action is part of a broader effort to address violence in the West Bank, as outlined in Executive Order 14115. The United Kingdom and Canada have also sanctioned Amana.
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo stated, "The United States, along with our allies and partners, remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to facilitate these destabilizing activities, which threaten the stability of the West Bank, Israel, and the wider region."
Simultaneously, the Department of State designated three individuals and one entity under E.O. 14115. Details can be found in a separate press release from the Department of State.
Amana plays a significant role in developing settlements in the West Bank by providing financial support to individuals like Israeli settler Isaschar Manne and partnering with entities such as Meitarim Farm. These actions contribute to settlement expansion and land seizure.
Binyanei Bar Amana Ltd is involved in construction within these settlements. OFAC's sanctions block all property related to these entities within U.S. jurisdiction. Transactions involving these entities are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Violations of E.O. 14115 may result in penalties for U.S. persons involved with sanctioned parties. Financial institutions must ensure compliance with OFAC regulations or risk enforcement actions.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim to encourage positive behavioral changes rather than punishment.
For more information on today's designations or removal from an OFAC list, resources are available online.
