Netanyahu Firm vows to Reject US Sanctions on Israeli Army Units

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to resist any sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion as tensions rise over reported US plans to cut aid to the unit

In a defiant stance against potential sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to oppose any measures targeting the country’s military, particularly the Netzah Yehuda battalion. 

This vow comes in response to reports suggesting that the United States intends to slash aid to the battalion over alleged human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.

Netanyahu made his stance clear, stating, “I will fight it with all my strength,” emphasizing his determination to resist any moves against the Israeli military. 

The Axios news site initially revealed the US’s purported intention to target the Netzah Yehuda battalion, citing alleged human rights abuses in the West Bank. These allegations have sparked a contentious debate between the two allies, with Israel staunchly defending its military’s actions.

According to Axios, the US’s actions would fall under a ban on aid to foreign units implicated in violations, marking a significant departure from previous policy. 

While Washington has never suspended aid to an IDF unit before, the looming prospect of sanctions against Netzah Yehuda has escalated tensions between the two nations.

Responding to the reports, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged the US to withdraw its intention to sanction the battalion, cautioning against casting aspersions on the entire IDF based on isolated incidents. 

Gallant emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between the US and Israel, warning that such actions could strain their partnership.

The allegations against Netzah Yehuda stem from incidents in the West Bank, including the death of 80-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Assad during a search operation in January 2022. 

While the IDF expressed regret over Assad’s death and disciplined some personnel involved, the case has remained a focal point in the debate over alleged human rights abuses.

The potential sanctions against Netzah Yehuda would be enforced under the “Leahy Law,” which prohibits US funding or training for foreign military units implicated in gross human rights violations. 

Former US officials have raised concerns about the lack of accountability in addressing allegations against Israeli units, citing difficulties in advancing recommendations to higher levels.

Netzah Yehuda, established in 1999, is a unique men-only unit where ultra-Orthodox Jews serve. Its alleged involvement in human rights abuses has drawn scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, adding to the complexity of the situation.

As tensions mount between Israel and its main ally, the US, the fate of Netzah Yehuda and the broader implications for US-Israeli relations remain uncertain. 

With both sides digging in their heels, the standoff underscores the challenges in balancing strategic partnerships with accountability for alleged violations.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members