Israeli leaders expressed disapproval over potential sanctions anticipated to be imposed by the U.S. as early as this week against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military battalion accused of human rights violations in 2022.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reportedly set to announce sanctions against the IDF battalion “Netzah Yehuda” within days, marking the first instance of the U.S. imposing sanctions on Israeli military units. If Blinken proceeds with the sanctions, it could further strain the relationship between the allies, already tense due to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
While U.S. officials have not officially identified the sanctioned unit, Israeli leaders and local media have pointed to Netzah Yehuda, a battalion established nearly 25 years ago.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the anticipated sanctions, with Netanyahu stating his opposition to them.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presided over the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, on January 7, 2024. In response to potential sanctions against an IDF unit, Netanyahu stated, “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit in the IDF, I will fight it with all my might.”
The battalion in question has faced scrutiny for alleged abuse of Palestinians. In 2022, it drew significant criticism from the U.S. following the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man, Omar Assad, who died after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint.
Palestinian officials conducted an autopsy on Assad and concluded that he suffered a heart attack due to “external violence,” noting that he had underlying health conditions.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses reporters at a news conference held at the State Department’s Harry S. Truman headquarters on March 13, 2024, in Washington, DC.
The autopsy findings further indicated that Assad exhibited head bruises, wrist redness from binding, and eyelid bleeding due to tight blindfolding.
Israeli military investigators also concluded that soldiers assumed Assad was asleep when they removed the cables binding his hands. Upon realizing his unresponsiveness, they failed to provide medical aid and left the scene.
At the time, the Israeli military disclosed that one officer was reprimanded, and two others were reassigned to non-command roles following the incident.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) in Tel Aviv, Israel on Nov. 3, 2023. (Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)/Anadolu by way of Getty Photos)
The uproar from the U.S. resulted in Israel relocating Netzah Yehuda to northern Israel in 2022, after it had been stationed within the West Financial institution. After the assault on Israel on Oct. 7 by Hamas-led terrorists, the battalion was relocated once more to the southern border close to Gaza. The battalion is now reportedly serving to with the struggle effort within the Gaza Strip, in keeping with the Israeli navy.
“The battalion is professionally and bravely conducting operations in accordance to the IDF Code of Ethics and with full dedication to worldwide legislation,” it mentioned. It mentioned that if the unit is sanctioned, “its penalties might be reviewed.”
Axios reported that if sanctions had been imposed, the battalion and its members would now not obtain any sort of coaching or help from the U.S. navy, in keeping with sources.
The U.S. is prohibited below the Leahy Regulation, from offering any form of overseas help or protection division coaching to international locations answerable for alleged human rights violations based mostly on credible info.
In the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Palestinians survey the destruction on January 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)
During a press briefing on Friday, Blinken faced questions regarding Israel’s alleged human rights violations in the West Bank and recommendations from his department to reduce military assistance to certain Israeli units.
Blinken underscored the significance of the Leahy Law, emphasizing its universal application.
“When conducting these investigations, thoroughness and caution are paramount. It’s a meticulous process of gathering and analyzing data, which is precisely what we’ve undertaken,” he stated. “I can assure you that determinations have been made, and you can expect them to be announced in the coming days.”
Yair Lapid and Israeli Minister of Protection Benny Gantz react on the Israeli parliament throughout a brand new authorities sworn in dialogue on the Israeli parliament on December 29, 2022 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Amir Levy/Getty Photos)
The Associated Press reported that Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s Security Cabinet, issued a statement expressing his disagreement with the decision. He conveyed that message to Blinken on Sunday, emphasizing that imposing sanctions would be a “mistake” and would undermine the country’s legitimacy, especially during a time of conflict.
Additionally, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter informed the wire service that the announcement of sanctions could be made as early as Monday.
According to these officials, five units were investigated, and of those five, four took steps to address the alleged violations they were accused of committing.
On Friday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on an associate of Israel’s national security minister and two entities involved in fundraising for Israeli individuals allegedly engaged in settler violence. These new sanctions were added to previous ones placed on five settlers and two unauthorized outposts earlier this year.
Reportedly, the sanctions imposed on Friday will freeze any U.S. assets held by the targeted individuals and entities, while also prohibiting American entities from engaging in transactions with them.
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