WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) sent a letter to President Trump expressing deep concern over escalating settler violence in the West Bank and urging the Trump Administration to pressure the Israeli government to protect civilians, ensure accountability, seek justice for the victims of violent crimes already committed, and uphold efforts toward a two-state solution.
"We urge you to press the Israeli government to take significant action to prevent settler violence, hold perpetrators accountable, seek justice for the victims of violent crimes already committed, and ensure the safety and security of civilians in the West Bank,” the Members wrote.
The lawmakers highlighted the near-daily reports of settler violence against civilians that occur throughout the West Bank, including killings, physical assaults, destruction of property, forced evictions, unlawful detentions, death threats, and large-scale intimidation. They point to the July 2025 murder of American citizen Sayfollah Musallet, who was killed after being beaten by extremist settlers, including an extremist settler who was previously sanctioned under the Biden Administration sanctions the Trump Administration has lifted.
“Unchecked extremist settler violence and de facto or de jure settlement expansion threatens the very seeds of trust and cooperation needed to make progress toward a viable two-state solution, which is fundamental to enduring peace in the region,” the Members wrote.
Booker and Goldman argue that strong U.S. leadership remains essential in preventing further bloodshed and in protecting both Israeli and Palestinian civilians at a time of growing instability. They call on President Trump to use the full weight of American diplomatic tools to press the Netanyahu government to stop the violence and to reinstate sanctions against perpetrators if necessary.
If the Israeli government does not take such significant action, we urge you to reinstate sanctions against those determined to be responsible for these violent and destabilizing crimes,” the Members concluded.
To view the full letter, click here.
This past August, in response to increased rates of destabilizing violence in the West Bank, particularly against civilians, Booker introduced the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, legislation to deter and prevent such violent actions against civilians in the West Bank. The legislation would authorize the imposition of sanctions on those who commit acts of violence that undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, Israel, and the region. The legislation seeks to reduce violence by requiring the President to block the visas and assets of foreign persons, regardless of nationality, engaging in violent extremist acts of terror, intimidation, and coercion against civilians in the West Bank.