Senior Democrats have accused former President Donald Trump’s administration of enabling violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, creating "a climate of impunity and unbridled violence" that threatens both Palestinians and US citizens.

In a letter dated August 6, 2026, and seen by the Guardian, 19 Democratic senators and representatives, including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, called for the restoration of sanctions against extremist settlers. They also demanded independent US investigations into the deaths of nine US citizens killed in the West Bank since 2022.

The letter was addressed to Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general; Marco Rubio, the secretary of state; and Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary. It criticized Trump’s decision on his first day back in office to rescind sanctions imposed on more than 30 settlers and organizations linked to violence, arguing this move sent a "clear message" that settlers could use deadly force with impunity.

The Democrats highlighted that Trump’s promise not to allow Israel to annex the West Bank has been undermined by ongoing events. They wrote, "In practice, violent settlers and the [Benjamin] Netanyahu government have proceeded to rapidly extend Israeli control over civilian populations in the region."

Citing UN figures, the letter noted 1,835 attacks on Palestinian communities and property during 2025—the highest number since records began—and stated that the pace of settler attacks in 2026 is even higher.

Victims mentioned include Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh; 14-year-old Amer Mohammed Rabea; 17-year-olds Tawfic Abdel Jabbar and Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour; 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet; 78-year-old Palestinian American Omar Assad; and Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.

The letter also expressed concern over the detention of US citizens by the Israeli military, including 20-year-old Sama Safi, whose access to vital medication was reportedly interrupted after her arrest, and Mohammed Ibrahim, detained for nine months starting at age 15.

The Democrats urged the current administration to use all available diplomatic and economic tools, including restoring sanctions, to end the violence and expansion of settlements.

Sources