US Democrats to introduce bill sanctioning individuals involved in Israel's E1 settlement project

A group of US Senate Democrats will introduce legislation on Wednesday to sanction individuals or groups that facilitate Israel's E1 settlement project in the West Bank. The bill, led by Senators Chris Coons, Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, and Ruben Gallego, targets those involved in construction or financing of the project, which critics say undermines a two-state solution. The move signals growing friction between Democrats and the Israeli government over West Bank policy.

A group of US Senate Democrats will introduce legislation on Wednesday to sanction individuals or groups that facilitate Israel's E1 settlement project, a West Bank development plan that critics say would cut across land the Palestinians seek for a state. The bill is the latest sign of growing friction between Democrats in Congress and the Israeli government over its handling of the West Bank. The lead sponsors are Chris Coons of Delaware, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Ruben Gallego of Arizona. The bill has at least 10 co-sponsors, all Democrats. It would impose sanctions on foreign companies, individuals, or other entities that the Treasury Department determines to have been responsible for or complicit in the construction of any Israeli settlements or related structures in the E1 area, including by submitting a bid for E1 tenders. It also targets those who attempt to organize, direct, finance, or facilitate the transfer of Israeli civilians into settlements in the E1 area. Democrats currently control only 47 seats in the 100-member Senate, but polls show they could win majorities in November 3 midterm elections from President Donald Trump's Republicans. The House of Representatives is not in session, so even if the bill passes the Senate, the House would not be expected to take it up before the midterms. The E1 project was approved in August 2025 by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Western capitals and campaign groups have opposed the project over concerns it could undermine a future peace deal and the two-state solution.