Biden’s sanctions ‘fruitless’

The Biden administration’s executive order sanctioning Israelis in the West Bank was “counterproductive,” the speaker of Israel’s parliament told The Post.

“I think it doesn’t help anyone to think that Israel does not deal with this problem,” said Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. “There is a very small minority that acts in a criminal way which harms Israel and which we deal with through our law enforcement authorities.”

Ohana (inset) was addressing the Biden administration’s sanctions this month on Israelis living in the disputed territory who have been accused of violence toward Palestinians.

The speaker spoke to The Post Thursday as he led an Israeli delegation to the United States this week that included visits with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Gov. Hochul, Timothy Cardinal Dolan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Ohana was also dismissive of President Biden’s enthusiasm for a two-state solution.

“So-called solution,” he sniffed. “I don’t think this is a solution.”

Ohana said that reforming the education of Palestinian children and building up their economy had to come before any consideration of formal statehood.

Ohana reiterated Israel’s longtime war aim vowing a “total, unmitigated defeat for Hamas.” Part of that victory, Ohana said, would be the systematic assassination of top Hamas leaders — something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to pursue.

When asked if Hamas leaders living abroad were legitimate targets for assassination, Ohana responded emphatically, “Yes, absolutely.”

The Knesset leader said he was undeterred by the recent failure of an Israel aid bill in Congress and that his meetings with US leaders left him hopeful.

“We need all the help we can get, and I have to say that I was very encouraged that both sides of the aisle agree on that.”