Netanyahu Vows to Oppose Sanctions on Israeli Military Unit
In a recent statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his determination to counter any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units. This declaration comes in the wake of reports that the United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The Axios news site brought this potential development to light, indicating a possible new pressure point in U.S.-Israel relations.
The Netzah Yehuda battalion has been under scrutiny for its activities in the occupied West Bank. Despite the Israeli military’s lack of confirmation regarding the sanctions, Netanyahu’s stance is clear. “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) – I will fight it with all my strength,” he affirmed.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently addressed concerns over potential human rights violations by Israeli forces, stating that “determinations” had been made concerning the matter. These comments followed a series of new sanctions linked to Israeli settlers in the West Bank, reflecting a growing discontent within the U.S. administration regarding Netanyahu’s policies and his coalition’s reliance on settler parties.
Pro Publica’s investigative reports have highlighted recommendations from the State Department’s Israel Leahy Vetting Forum to disqualify multiple Israeli military and police units from receiving U.S. aid due to alleged rights violations. These incidents primarily occurred in the West Bank, escalating before the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7.
The Israeli military has defended the Netzah Yehuda battalion, emphasizing its adherence to international law principles. In response to the sanction reports, the military stated, “The IDF works and will continue to work to investigate any unusual event in a practical manner and according to law.”
However, past events have cast a shadow over the battalion’s record. In 2022, following the death of an elderly Palestinian-American detained by Netzah Yehuda soldiers, the battalion commander faced reprimand, and two officers were dismissed. This incident, among others involving accusations of abuse against Palestinian detainees, has attracted significant attention and concern from Washington.
