Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to resist any forthcoming sanctions targeting Israeli military units accused of human rights violations, following reports from a US media outlet suggesting such measures were under consideration.
According to Axios, Washington is reportedly contemplating sanctions against Israelâs Netzah Yehuda battalion, active in the occupied West Bank. However, the Israeli military asserts it has not been formally notified of any such actions.
Netzah Yehuda, established approximately 25 years ago, focuses on incorporating ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military. The potential sanctions come in the wake of the US imposing measures related to Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, signaling growing discontent with Netanyahuâs policies, particularly as his coalition government relies on settler parties for support.
Netanyahu emphasized his staunch opposition to the prospect of sanctions, stating, âIf anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the (Israeli army) â I will fight it with all my strength.â
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, urging US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reconsider, cautioning that such sanctions could undermine Israelâs legitimacy, especially during times of conflict.
Blinken, addressing allegations of human rights violations, hinted at impending actions, indicating that determinations had been made and would be disclosed shortly. These actions stem from US laws prohibiting military aid to entities implicated in gross human rights abuses.
Meanwhile, Israeli Labour Party leader Merav Michaeli called for dismantling the Netzah Yehuda unit, alleging indiscriminate killings of Palestinians. Michaeli emphasized the need for acknowledgment and reform, citing longstanding concerns over the unit’s conduct.
Reports from the ProPublica investigative news organization suggest that a US Department of State panel recommended disqualifying multiple Israeli military and police units from receiving aid due to allegations of human rights violations, primarily in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli military contends that Netzah Yehuda operates within international legal frameworks and pledges to investigate any reported incidents diligently. However, past controversies, including the death of an elderly Palestinian-American detainee and allegations of abuse against Palestinian detainees, have raised significant concerns and drawn international scrutiny.
As tensions persist, the potential imposition of sanctions underscores the complexities surrounding Israeli military operations in the occupied territories and raises questions about future US-Israel relations.
