US targets Palestine Action in counterterrorism effort against 'far-left' groups

The United States has designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on what it describes as threats from far-left extremist groups.

The decision follows comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month, when he told representatives from more than 60 countries that Washington intended to place greater emphasis on combating what he called “far-left terror.”

The policy has raised concerns among Democrats, who argue that the administration is politicizing counterterrorism and shifting attention away from other extremist threats.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would use financial sanctions and other economic measures against far-left organizations and their supporters. The Treasury Department also sanctioned an Italy-based organization accused of providing digital tools and services to antifa and other far-left groups.

Palestine Action has been banned as a terrorist organization in the UK as well. The group has focused its activities on companies linked to Israel’s defence industry, particularly Elbit Systems.

Its co-founder, Huda Ammori, rejected the US designation, saying the group’s actions were intended to disrupt Israel’s military industry and save lives. She argued that the ban threatens free speech and civil liberties.

The UK Supreme Court is also expected to consider an appeal challenging the legality of Britain’s decision to ban Palestine Action.

Separately, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Masar Badil, accusing it of acting as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which the United States already designates as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.