The United States is deliberating the imposition of sanctions on additional Israeli military and police units for alleged human rights transgressions against Palestinian civilians, according to two sources within the US government. This development closely follows the Biden administration’s plan to sanction the Netzah Yehuda battalion, potentially straining relations between the two allies amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Sunday his staunch opposition to sanctions against any Israeli military unit, stating, “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF, I will fight it with all my strength,” as reported by The Times of Israel.
The US State Department conducted a comprehensive investigation into Netzah Yehuda and several other Israeli military units over a span of more than a year, examining allegations of human rights violations, according to reports from The Times of Israel.
The Netzah Yehuda battalion has been embroiled in previous controversies regarding accusations of violence against Palestinians, including the case of Omar As’ad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American who died after being detained by battalion soldiers. As’ad was handcuffed, blindfolded, and later discovered abandoned in near-freezing conditions.
Sources speculate that other Western nations may follow the US lead in imposing sanctions on Israeli military units implicated in acts of violence against Palestinians.
Should the US impose sanctions on Netzah Yehuda and other battalions, these units would be prohibited from utilizing US military aid for the acquisition of weapons. However, Israel retains the option to procure weapons for these units using its own resources, according to a second source.
The Biden administration is making a distinction between its disapproval of Israel’s actions in the West Bank and the recent passing of a $14 billion aid package by the US Congress, primarily allocated for the conflict in Gaza. This aid package underscores Washington’s continued robust support for Israel despite apprehensions regarding the repercussions of the ongoing hostilities.
In response, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant cautioned that the proposed US sanctions would set a “dangerous” precedent. Gallant held discussions with IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi on Sunday to strategize measures to prevent the anticipated sanctions from being implemented.
Gallant emphasized the importance of conveying to the American government the significance of supporting IDF operations, which adhere to international law. He underscored that maligning an entire battalion reflects adversely on the IDF’s efforts to safeguard Israeli citizens and combat terrorist elements.
Furthermore, War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz communicated with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging a reconsideration of the intended sanctions. Gantz argued that such sanctions would be unjustified and detrimental to Israel’s legitimacy, particularly amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
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