US sanctions Israeli group trying to prevent Gaza aid from going to Hamas

The State Department labels Tsav 9 a “violent extremist” group, citing an incident in which activists set fire to two trucks carrying aid bound for Gaza.

By Asaf Elia-Shalev, JTA

The Biden administration imposed sanctions Friday on an Israeli group for attacking humanitarian aid convoys destined for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, in the latest round of penalties against Israelis accused by Washington of undermining efforts toward peace and stability. 

The group added to the U.S. sanctions list is Tsav 9, which says aid should be stopped because it ends up in the hands of Hamas — a view shared by a majority of Israelis. 

For months, Tsav 9 activists have organized to block convoys, harass aid workers and damage aid trucks as well as goods meant to alleviate pervasive hunger and suffering in Gaza. The group’s name means Order 9 in Hebrew, a reference to the military’s order calling up reservists.

The announcement by the State Department of the financial restrictions labels Tsav 9 a “violent extremist” group and cites a May 13 incident in which activists looted and then set fire to two trucks carrying aid bound for Gaza.

Tsav 9 released a statement defending itself as a legitimate protest group.

“The effort to prevent a rightful democratic nonviolent protest in order to keep supplying Hamas with aid during the war goes against any American and liberal values,” the statement says. “Much of the aid transferred to Gaza falls directly into the hands of the terrorist organization Hamas, which massacred, murdered, and raped hundreds of women, elderly, and children (including American citizens), rather than going to the Gazan civilians.”

The State Department called on Israel to protect the convoys from attacks and ensure their passage to Gaza. 

“We will not tolerate acts of sabotage and violence targeting this essential humanitarian assistance,” the announcement from the State Department says. “We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who attempt or undertake such heinous acts, and we expect and urge that Israeli authorities do the same.”

Announcements of sanctions on Israelis began in February following an executive order signed by President Joe Biden aiming to stem rising violence between Israelis and Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. 

Before targeting Tsav 9, the United States imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers it claimed were involved in attacks against Palestinians. 

Financial institutions under U.S. jurisdiction are required to freeze assets belonging to sanctioned groups and individuals, and American citizens are prohibited from aiding them. 

GazaTsav 9US sanctionsUS State Department