Cortez Masto Joins Colleagues in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and 41 of her Democratic Senate colleagues in urging Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years.

"We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people," the Senators wrote.

The Senators warn that "continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel's long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address.

The Senators concluded, "Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence." Read the full letter here.

Additionally, Cortez Masto joined Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and 28 of her Democratic colleagues in a joint statement opposing the Israeli government's decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project. Read more here.

Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported Israel's right to defend itself while strongly advocating for a two-state solution. She has consistently called out violence in the West Bank and called for the humane treatment of innocent Palestinian civilians. Last year, Cortez Masto urged President Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel's annexation of territory in the West Bank while implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza. Following Hamas's terrorist attack on October 7^th, 2023, she called on President Biden to do everything in his power to bring home the hostages and deliver vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

###