Netanyahu Vows to Reject Sanctions on Israeli Military
TEL AVIV — In a bold declaration, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to vehemently oppose any sanctions imposed on the country’s military, following reports that the US intends to slash aid to one specific unit.
“I will fight it with all my strength,” the prime minister asserted on Sunday.
US Targeting Israel’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion
According to Axios, the US is set to target Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion over alleged human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.
The BBC has learned that any potential action would fall under a US prohibition on aid to foreign units with verifiable involvement in violations.
Israel’s Response and Defense Minister’s Plea
The Israeli military has stated that Netzah Yehuda is operating within the boundaries of international law.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, urged the US to retract its plan to sanction Netzah Yehuda, stressing the heightened scrutiny on the US-Israel relationship.
Alleged Abuses and Investigations
Reports suggest that the proposed measures stem from alleged abuses in the West Bank, including the tragic death of 80-year-old Omar Assad, a Palestinian-American man, who died under controversial circumstances involving Israeli soldiers.
The IDF expressed regret over Assad’s death, and disciplinary actions were taken within the battalion.
The “Leahy Law” and Accountability
Any decision to withhold US military assistance from an IDF unit would be based on the “Leahy Law”, which prohibits funding or training for foreign military units implicated in severe human rights violations.
Last year, a group of US officials scrutinized numerous allegations against Israeli units, including Netzah Yehuda, citing concerns over accountability.
Controversy Surrounding Netzah Yehuda
Established in 1999, Netzah Yehuda is a specialized men-only unit comprised of ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Imposition of Sanctions on Far-Right Activist
Recently, the US imposed sanctions on Israeli far-right activist Ben Zion Gopstein and his organization, Lehava, for engaging in destabilizing activities affecting the West Bank.
Will the US proceed with sanctions against the IDF unit or will Netanyahu’s staunch opposition prevail? The world waits in anticipation. – BBC
