The US State Department's official spokesman, Matthew Miller, said on Wednesday that the US State Department has taken further measures to enhance accountability for gross human rights violations and actions that undermine peace, security, or stability in the occupied West Bank.

Miller told reporters as part of his press conference: “We are designating Elor Azaria, a former sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces, under Article 7031 (c) for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights, specifically extrajudicial killing in the occupied West Bank.”

As a result of the action, Miller said, "Azaria and any immediate family member are generally ineligible for entry into the United States."

Miller said the department has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on an additional group of individuals for their involvement or meaningful contribution to undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank.

“Specifically, these visa restrictions are imposed against those who have used violence against persons or property, or have unjustifiably restricted civilian access to basic services and basic necessities, including access to food, water, electricity, or medical supplies. They may be subject to "Immediate family members of these individuals also have these restrictions."

“Enhancing accountability and justice for any crimes, violations and abuses committed against Palestinians and Israelis is essential to achieving a stable, just and lasting calm in the West Bank and the region,” Miller said. “We once again call on the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to hold accountable anyone responsible for acts of violence in the West Bank, and we affirm that “What is new is that we will not hesitate to take our measures to enhance accountability.”

This general classification was made under section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2024 (Section F, PL 118-47). Azaria, as a former sergeant in the IDF, qualifies as a foreign government official under Section 7031(c). Steps are being taken to impose visa restrictions on an additional group of individuals in the West Bank under the visa restriction policy announced by Secretary Blinken in December 2023, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In his answer to journalists' questions, Miller stressed that the United States has been reviewing the violent actions of settlers against the Palestinians for many years, "and that it will not hesitate to take appropriate sanctions."

In response to a question regarding whether there were any intentions to include the Israeli Minister of Finance, Smoternich, or the Minister of Defense, Ben Gvir, on the “Fair Wanted” list or those on whom sanctions were imposed, Miller said that the American administration evaluates the practices of everyone, regardless of their positions in the government. Israel regarding acts of violence committed by settlers against Palestinian citizens in the West Bank.