U.S. Sanctions Against Israeli Unit Over West Bank Treatment Spark Backlash
An Israeli defence force unit is currently facing U.S. sanctions due to its treatment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
This development comes despite Congress approving $26 billion in emergency aid to Israel, as reported by The Guardian, cited by news.ro.
According to sources in the Israeli press, officials from the U.S. State Department have confirmed their intention to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the IDF. The battalion stands accused of serious human rights violations against Palestinians.
This significant move, marking the first instance of the U.S. government targeting an IDF unit, has triggered immediate backlash among Israeli political leaders, who have vowed to oppose it. The Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Sunday that the U.S. is also considering similar actions against other police and military units.
The sanctions, to be enforced under the 1997 Leahy Law, would prohibit the transfer of American military aid to the unit. Additionally, they would prevent soldiers and officers from participating in U.S. military training or programs funded by the U.S.
This revelation coincides with Israeli attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including 14 children, on Saturday night, according to Gaza health officials.
Since the enactment of the law, U.S. aid has been withheld from hundreds of units worldwide accused of human rights abuses. The State Department has conducted investigations into several Israeli security units, including police and the military, for alleged violations. Meanwhile, senior Israeli officials have indicated their opposition to the imposition of any sanctions.
The Netzah Yehuda battalion, a part of the Kfir Brigade, was initially established in 1999 to accommodate the religious beliefs of recruits from ultra-Orthodox and national religious communities, including those from extremist settlements. Historically, it has primarily been deployed in the West Bank.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
