Key facts
- President Trump designated the UK-based Palestine Action group as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
- The designation freezes the group's assets and prohibits U.S. citizens and entities from doing business with them.
- The US Treasury cited the group's promotion of terrorism and damage to military equipment as reasons for the sanctions.
- Palestine Action was previously banned by the UK in July 2025.
- The group has targeted companies linked to Israel, including Elbit Systems.
President Trump has officially designated the UK-based direct action organization Palestine Action as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, freezing its assets and prohibiting U.S. citizens and entities from engaging in business with the group. The U.S. Department of the Treasury cited the organization's promotion of terrorism and acts causing damage to military equipment as reasons for the sanctions.
The designation comes after the UK banned the group last year for damaging materials at weapons factories run by Elbit Systems, a key provider of weapons to the Israeli military. The Treasury stated that Palestine Action has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided support for acts of terrorism, including breaking into defense infrastructure and causing millions of dollars in damage to military equipment.
In addition to Palestine Action, the administration also sanctioned Masar Badil, a movement advocating for Palestinian rights, which the Treasury stated is linked to Samidoun, an organization previously sanctioned by the US and Canada. The Treasury emphasized that the US does not sanction individuals for engaging in political speech but defines terrorism as violent acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policy through intimidation or coercion.
Palestine Action, founded in 2020, has targeted companies involved in the Israeli military-industrial complex, including Elbit Systems. Their actions have led to companies divesting and the UK Ministry of Defence canceling contracts with Elbit. The group's members have faced charges of violent disorder and criminal damage in the UK.