Blinken declares a policy to limit West Bank extremists' access to US visas

A new policy aimed at stopping radical Israeli settlers who are the cause of violence in the West Bank from entering the country was unveiled by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

"Today, the State Department is implementing a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities," Blinken said in a release. "Immediate family members of such persons also may be subject to these restrictions," he continued.

According to Blinken, the policy will apply to both Israelis and Palestinians who carry out attacks in the West Bank.

Blinken did not specify the number of people who would be covered by the first round of visa restrictions or those who would not be named.

Speaking on Tuesday, State Department spokesman Matt Miller predicted that the new policy would "impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members."

"Any Israeli citizen who currently has a visa to enter the United States will be notified that that visa has been revoked," said Miller.