U.S. Designates Palestine Action as Global Terrorist Group, Imposes Sanctions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The United States has designated Palestine Action, a British-founded anti-Israel activist group, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, freezing any U.S.-linked assets and barring Americans from doing business with the group.

The Treasury Department said Wednesday that Palestine Action was sanctioned under Executive Order 13224 for supporting acts of terrorism, citing break-ins at defense infrastructure, attacks on military-related sites, and damage to equipment. The designation follows Britain’s July 2025 decision to proscribe the group under its Terrorism Act after activists breached RAF Brize Norton and sprayed red paint on military aircraft.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would use “the full weight” of U.S. economic tools against violent political networks, declaring that “political terrorism has no place in our society.” The same Treasury action also targeted Autistici Inventati, an Italy-based digital-services entity, and Masar Badil, which U.S. officials said operates as a front tied to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Palestine Action, founded in Britain in 2020, has focused much of its campaign on disrupting companies it accuses of aiding Israel, especially Elbit Systems and other defense-linked firms. The group rejects the terrorism label, while supporters argue the bans threaten protest rights. U.S. officials, however, framed the move as part of a broader effort to disrupt transnational extremist networks that use intimidation, property destruction, and attacks on critical infrastructure to advance political aims.

The designation marks a significant escalation in Washington’s response to anti-Israel activist networks, particularly those accused of crossing from protest into sabotage and coercion.

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