US Blacklists Palestine Action in Sweep Against Far-Left Groups
The US Treasury designated Palestine Action a terrorist group, part of a broader clampdown on far-left networks, drawing criticism from the group's co-founder.
The United States has formally designated the UK-based activist network Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's counterterrorism campaign against what it describes as far-left extremism.
The Treasury Department announced the move on Wednesday, alongside sanctions on an Italy-based entity accused of providing digital infrastructure and services to antifa and other far-left groups. The department also imposed sanctions on Masar Badil, a transnational network it alleges operates as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is already on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed the actions as part of a broader effort to sever financial lifelines. "Far-left extremists, their fronts, and their enablers should be on notice: We will bring the full weight of our economic tools to bear," he said in a statement. "Political terrorism has no place in our society, and we will continue to cut the financial lifelines of these groups until they are eliminated."
The designation follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent address to officials from over 60 countries, where he called for a refocusing of international counterterrorism efforts on what he termed "far-left terror." That conference drew criticism from Democrats, who accused the administration of politicizing counterterrorism and diverting resources from other extremist threats.
President Trump has previously singled out the antifa movement, vowing action against left-wing groups following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year.
Palestine Action, which has been banned in Britain, has increasingly targeted Israel-linked defense companies, particularly Elbit Systems, Israel's largest defense firm. Responding to the US move, co-founder Huda Ammori defended the group's mission. "Our activities have always been about saving lives by disrupting the Israeli war machine," she said. Ammori added that the ban should serve as a "wake-up call" to those concerned about free speech and civil liberties.
The UK Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal against a lower court ruling that upheld Britain's ban on the group as a terrorist organization.