WASHINGTON — The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network on Thursday advised financial institutions to watch for red flags that may indicate the financing of Israeli extremist settlers after the Biden Administration sanctioned individuals for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
"The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those engaged in such activities, as well as to protect the U.S. financial system from abuse," the alert
The alert came alongside a presidential
"High levels of extremist settler violence, forced displacement of people and villages, and property destruction has reached intolerable levels and constitutes a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank and Gaza, Israel, and the broader Middle East," the E.O.
The agency advised institutions to be wary of payments to organizations or groups — including nonprofits — linked to violent extremist groups in the West Bank or which specifically list leaders or affiliates of Israeli violent extremists. The agency also notes that any references within transactions — such as in a memo field — expressing support for such groups could indicate suspicious activity.
In addition, Fincen noted firms should watch for transactions that include rapid movement of funds with no apparent lawful economic or business purpose linked to nonprofits known for supporting settler violence — particularly those who have advocated for or solicited donations to that end on social platforms. They also indicated firms should scrutinize any purchases of military gear destined for non-government Israeli parties in the West Bank.
Fincen's guidance marks how the issue of settler violence has exacerbated an already tenuous situation for the Biden Administration. As part of Thursday's action, the executive branch
