Netanyahu Rejects US Sanctions on Israeli Military Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu | Credits: Reuters
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu | Credits: Reuters

United States: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined that all sanctions on the country’s military by the American authorities were rejected. The announcement was made after it was heard that the US plans to cut aid to one unit.

PM Netanyahu was quoted saying, “I will fight it with all my strength,” according to reports by BBC.

According to Axios, the US might take action against the battalion under a ban on aid to foreign units implicated in violations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at forthcoming determinations regarding reports of aid cuts to IDF units over human rights concerns in the West Bank.

Notably, the US has never halted aid to an IDF unit previously, making this a significant development. The Israeli military asserts that Netzah Yehuda operates within international law despite allegations.

Israel’s Defense Minister urges the US to reconsider any sanction plans, emphasizing the importance of the US-Israel relationship. Axios reported insider information suggesting Blinken would announce measures against Netzah Yehuda soon, citing alleged abuses, including the death of Omar Assad in January 2022.

The incident prompted a call from the US for a thorough investigation, leading to regret from the IDF, though no prosecution was pursued, the reports by BBC News outlined.

Netzah Yehuda’s alleged violations occurred before the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2022.

Any decision to withhold US assistance from an IDF unit would fall under the “Leahy Law,” designed to prevent support for units involved in gross human rights violations.

Last year, a group of US officials examined numerous allegations against Israeli units, including Netzah Yehuda, but faced challenges advancing recommendations for accountability.

Josh Paul, a former official, resigned in protest over the perceived lack of accountability in US arms transfers to Israel.

Netzah Yehuda, established in 1999, is a special unit where ultra-Orthodox Jews serve.

Separately, the US recently imposed sanctions on Israeli activist Ben-Zion Gopstein and his organization Lehava for actions in the West Bank.