Condemning Israeli settlement expansion, settler violence, and related human rights abuses in the West Bank, and calling for accountability and specific United States policy responses to deter further violations and protect the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1092
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-02: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-05T00:28:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1092) condemns the expansion of Israeli settlements, settler violence, and related human rights abuses in the West Bank (a territory in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel). It aims to promote accountability for these actions and urges specific U.S. policy responses to deter further violations while supporting a negotiated two-state solution (a peace framework where Israel and a Palestinian state coexist peacefully and securely).
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining background concerns, followed by 10 specific actions for the House of Representatives to take or urge:
- Reaffirm U.S. commitments: Reiterates U.S. support for protecting civilians, human rights, and a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures freedom, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
- Condemn specific actions: Denounces Israeli settlement expansion, land seizures, home demolitions, forced displacements, and settler violence in the West Bank, highlighting concerns over a lack of accountability by the Israeli government.
- Calls for halting demolitions: Urges Israel to immediately stop home demolitions and pause demolition orders (official notices requiring structures to be torn down) in areas like Umm al-Khair, until fair review processes are in place to protect civilians.
- Address land confiscations: Demands cancellation of land seizures in places like Sebastia and provides affected residents a fair chance to challenge these actions through transparent legal procedures.
- Prevent settlement growth and violence: Calls on Israel to stop approving new settlements, dismantle unauthorized "outposts" (informal settlements later legalized), prevent settler violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and help displaced families return or receive compensation.
- Impose sanctions on individuals: Encourages the U.S. President and Secretary of State to use laws like the Global Magnitsky Act (which allows sanctions for human rights abuses) to target officials such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir with sanctions or visa restrictions if they are involved in abuses.
- Target supporting entities: Urges measures against companies or groups that finance or build settlements leading to demolitions or displacements.
- End tax subsidies: Supports changes to U.S. tax rules that currently allow Americans in West Bank settlements to reduce their U.S. taxes via credits for taxes paid to Israel, viewing this as indirect U.S. support for settlements.
- Protect taxpayer funds: States that U.S. money should not fund actions causing displacements or abuses in the West Bank.
- Condition aid on E1 freeze: Calls for linking certain U.S. security aid to Israel to a halt in development in the "E1" area (a zone between East Jerusalem and a major settlement that could block a contiguous Palestinian state).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion but does not create new laws or amend existing ones. However, it advocates for using current U.S. laws (e.g., sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act) more aggressively and suggests legislative tweaks to tax policies that indirectly benefit settlements. If acted upon, it could lead to administrative changes in how U.S. aid and taxes are applied, but it requires further congressional or executive action to have legal effect.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The U.S. State Department and Treasury could face pressure to investigate and sanction individuals or entities, potentially increasing diplomatic workload. Aid decisions might shift, affecting how security assistance to Israel is allocated.
- On citizens: Palestinian communities in the West Bank could benefit from reduced demolitions and violence if U.S. pressure succeeds, potentially improving safety and property rights. Israeli settlers and officials might face financial or travel restrictions. U.S. taxpayers could see changes in tax benefits for those living in settlements, reducing indirect subsidies.
- On international relations: Could strain U.S.-Israel ties by criticizing Israeli policies and officials, while bolstering U.S. support for Palestinian rights. It reinforces U.S. commitment to a two-state solution, possibly influencing peace negotiations or relations with Arab nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Israeli government and officials: Directly criticized, especially figures like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir; could face U.S. sanctions or aid conditions.
- Palestinian residents: Communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem (e.g., Umm al-Khair, Sebastia, Silwan) impacted by demolitions, displacements, and violence; the resolution seeks protections for them.
- Israeli settlers and extremists: Targeted for accountability regarding violence and outposts.
- U.S. government and taxpayers: Agencies must respond to calls for action; taxpayers' funds and tax policies are implicated in subsidizing settlements.
- Civil society and international organizations: Israeli and Palestinian groups documenting abuses could gain U.S. support for their efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing U.S. laws for sanctions and aid conditions, avoiding new mandates. Tax policy changes would require separate legislation, raising questions about equal treatment under U.S. tax code (which applies uniformly but could be adjusted for foreign policy reasons).
- Constitutional: As a House resolution, it aligns with Congress's role in foreign affairs (under Article I of the U.S. Constitution) but is advisory, not enforceable without Senate or presidential involvement.
- Political: Signals a shift toward stronger U.S. criticism of Israeli actions, potentially dividing Congress along partisan lines (introduced by Rep. Khanna, a Democrat). It could influence U.S. Middle East policy amid ongoing debates over human rights versus alliance with Israel, but its non-binding nature limits immediate effects unless it builds momentum for binding measures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-02: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-02: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-02: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-02: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Condemning Israeli settlement expansion, settler violence, and related human rights abuses in the West Bank, and calling for accountability and specific United States policy responses to deter further violations and protect the viability of a negotiated two-State solution. — issued 2026-03-02 — PDF (6 pages)